Mayor Zohran Mamdani became the target of a comedic takedown during the season 52 premiere of “Saturday Night Live,” hosted by Knicks MVP Jalen Brunson.
The episode’s cold open unfolded at Grace Mansion on the Upper East Side, where comedian Ramy Youssef played Hizzoner as he recorded an “urgent message” for New Yorkers preparing for a powerful nor’easter.
Rather than delivering a somber warning, the fictional Mamdani filmed a TikTok telling Gotham residents to “shelter in place, y’all” while dancing to energetic club music, turning the dangerous storm into an upbeat social media moment.
James Austin Johnson’s President Trump soon appeared at the mayor’s home, noting that he and Mamdani share roots in Queens.
The sketch then took another turn when Trump’s controversial political aide, Natalie Harp, burst in drenched from the storm, her mascara visibly running down her face.
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Played by Ashley Padilla, Harp joked that she had “run here from DC weapon style,” suggesting the president might have summoned her for an unspecified task.
As the cold open neared its conclusion, Mamdani told Trump that he needed to “get back to work.” Trump, however, argued that he should remain alongside the left-leaning mayor.
“Only if you give us $21 billion for a housing project in Queens,” Mamdani replied.
“Are you out of your mind?” Trump shot back.
Mamdani then offered a different incentive: “What if I follow you back on Instagram?” Trump quickly agreed, responding, “It’s a done deal.”