This article exists as part of the online archive for HuffPost Australia, which closed in 2021.

'SNL's' Shirtless Version Of Vladimir Putin Pays Alec Baldwin's Donald Trump A Christmas Visit

'SNL's' Shirtless Version Of Vladimir Putin Pays Alec Baldwin's Donald Trump A Christmas Visit
SNL

President-elect Donald Trump really isn’t going to like this week’s “Saturday Night Live.”

In its cold-open sketch, the show tore into Trump’s reportedly friendly relationship with Russian President Vladimir Putin, his misspelled tweets and his controversial Cabinet picks.

The skit began with Alec Baldwin (playing Trump) explaining to Kate McKinnon (playing his campaign manager, Kellyanne Conway) why he went on his “thank you” tour and chose former Texas Gov. Rick Perry as energy secretary.

“Wasn’t that a great choice? I saw him on ‘Dancing With the Stars,’” the Trump character said.

“This guy has so much energy. Unpresidented,” he added, referring to a misspelled tweet Trump posted Saturday.

“SNL” also poked fun at Trump for reportedly having a tough time finding musicians to perform at his inauguration. Beck Bennett ― playing a shirtless Putin ― then came out of the fireplace to give Trump a special Christmas “Elf on the Shelf” gift, in reference to a CIA report that Russia interfered with the presidential election.

When Baldwin-as-Trump said he feels bad at not getting him anything, Bennett-as-Putin replied: “Please, Mr. Trump, you are the gift.”

Finally, actor John Goodman made an appearance to play Trump’s pick for secretary of state, Exxon Mobil CEO Rex Tillerson.

Tillerson is friendly with Putin in real life, so Goodman arrived on the scene to do a special dance with Bennett’s character before discussing business. Meanwhile, all Trump could do is talk about his meeting with Kanye West.

Check it out in the clip above.

Close
This article exists as part of the online archive for HuffPost Australia. Certain site features have been disabled. If you have questions or concerns, please check our FAQ or contact support@huffpost.com.