Chris Rock Takes Aim at Trump’s Presidency During ‘Saturday Night Live’ Opening

Chris Rock returned to Saturday Night Live on December 14 to deliver his trademark wit during the show’s opening monologue, and he didn’t hold back. The 59-year-old comedian touched on everything from Diddy’s legal troubles to Jake Paul’s boxing antics and Donald Trump’s potential return to the White House.

“It’s been a bad year for my people. Blacks,” Rock quipped, referencing Kamala Harris’ election loss and Jake Paul’s fight with Mike Tyson. On Paul’s fight record, he didn’t shy away from taking a jab: “Who’s he gonna fight next? Morgan Freeman?”

Rock also waded into politics, addressing fears about Trump’s presidency potentially making a comeback. “I mean, you know what country we live in,” he joked, before imagining a hypothetical scenario involving immigration policies under Trump. “J.Lo’s gonna marry Ben again, just so she can stay in the country,” he said, adding, “I know she’s not Mexican, but Trump don’t know that.”

While Rock’s sharp humor lit up the room, the night’s music came courtesy of Gracie Abrams, making her debut as the SNL musical guest. It was an evening full of firsts and laughs, with Rock’s punchlines keeping the audience on their toes.

Next week, the laughs continue with Martin Short set to host alongside musical guest Hozier.