Trending Now - ‘SNL’ Skewers Kash Patel's Scandal Responses in Cold Open

WHO:

Rolling Stone - Aziz Ansari portrays FBI Director Kash Patel in the cold open of 'SNL'.

Deadline - Ashley Padilla plays White House Press Secretary Karoline Leavitt in the 'SNL' cold open.

WHAT:

Rolling Stone - The cold open features Kash Patel making specific denials about his drinking habits.

Deadline - The cold open includes a line from Ansari's character stating, “In summary, war is awesome!”

WHERE:

Rolling Stone - The cold open was performed in New York City.

WHEN:

Deadline - The cold open aired a week after Ashley Padilla participated in Deadline’s Contenders TV event in Los Angeles.

WHY:

Rolling Stone - The portrayal of Kash Patel's denials raises suspicions regarding his credibility.

HOW:

Deadline - The cold open uses satire to comment on the character's incompetence and the absurdity of the situation.

(UPDATED May 3, 2026 07:34 UTC)

In a recent cold open of 'SNL' performed in New York City, Aziz Ansari took on the role of FBI Director Kash Patel, who humorously denied his drinking habits while delivering the line, “In summary, war is awesome!” Ashley Padilla also made an appearance as White House Press Secretary Karoline Leavitt, adding to the satirical commentary on the character's incompetence and the absurdity of the situation. This portrayal of Patel's denials has raised questions about his credibility, especially following Padilla's participation in Deadline’s Contenders TV event in Los Angeles just a week prior.