Introduction
Nikki Haley, a potential candidate for the presidency, unexpectedly appeared on Saturday Night Live’s cold opening.
Setting the Scene
She delivered the famous “Live from New York” line.
In the skit, she portrayed a concerned South Carolina voter questioning a cast member, James Austin Johnson, who played her GOP primary rival, former President Donald Trump.
Mockery and Banter
Haley humorously mocked Trump and asked why he wouldn’t debate her.
The exchange included references to the January 6 events and a mention of a mental competency test, with Trump’s character claiming success in the test.
A joke about a $83.3 million demand referencing the recent E. Jean Carroll defamation judgment against Trump was made. Haley joked about Trump spending $50 million on legal defense and offered to lend him money.
Gender and Politics
Trump’s character boasted about competence as a man and suggested women shouldn’t run the economy.
Haley subtly referenced Trump’s loss in New York during the 2020 election.
Election Banter
Haley questioned if Trump won his home state in the last election.
Civil War Question and Backlash
Haley faced a question about the main cause of the Civil War, making a humorous reference to slavery.
This sparked backlash due to a previous gaffe she made about the Civil War at a December town hall.
Haley clarified her stance and quickly managed the situation by uploading, deleting, and reuploading the SNL segment.
I See Dead People” Joke
Haley’s “I see dead people” joke gained attention.
Social Media Reaction
Trump’s advisor, Dan Scavino, accused Haley of deleting her SNL video to attack Trump, claiming she ended up embarrassing herself.
Haley signed off, anticipating unhinged tweets from Trump the next morning.