‘SNL’ mocks Republican senators endorsing Trump in cold open following South Carolina win

“Saturday Night Live” (SNL) went after the GOP senators who have endorsed former President Trump in its post-South Carolina primary cold open on Saturday, pointing out the many times Trump has insulted the same men who now back him for president.

The cold open showcased characters of Sens. Tim Scott (R-S.C.), Lindsey Graham (R-S.C.), Marco Rubio (R-Fla.) and James Risch (R-Idaho) enjoying refreshments together at a mock victory party. The group discussed their love for Trump despite their personal conflicts and policy disagreements.

“I gotta admit, sometimes I do not know what my party is doing. I mean, I’ve been pushing for Ukraine funding for the past six months,” Risch, depicted by Mikey Day, said. “It’s essential to American security, and Trump just killed it with one phone call. The man doesn’t care about this country one iota. Sometimes I think he’s downright dangerous.”

“And you just endorsed him, right?” Rubio, played by Marcello Hernandez, shot back.

“Yeah! Big time. I mean, he’s great. Yeah, he is incredible!” Risch retorted.

The skit goes on to list Trump’s personal attacks against the senators over the years, with the group doubling down on backing the former president despite them each time. 

Rubio said Trump’s “Little Marco” nickname “ruined my life,” while Graham, played by James Austin Johnson, bemoaned the time Trump broadcast his personal phone number and caused waves of harassment.

Graham was booed by Trump supporters at the former president’s victory party on Saturday after Trump introduced him as “a little bit further left” than other members of the GOP.

The group also jabbed at Scott, depicted by Devon Walker, for his effort to become Trump’s vice president, particularly burning his prior relationship with Nikki Haley to remain close to Trump during their primary battle.

“Saturday Night Live” all but called Trump racist as well, pointing to a speech Friday when Trump said Black voters liked him more because he has a mug shot. 

“He has street cred!” Scott said.

The NAACP, Democratic National Convention and multiple Black leaders have condemned Trump’s remarks as racist.

Trump scored a major victory in the South Carolina primary on Saturday night, defeating Haley by about 21 points. Haley has committed to staying in the primary race until at least Super Tuesday on March 5 despite long odds at the nomination.