The cold open of the Saturday Night Live season finale took a dark turn when the ghost of Jeffrey Epstein, played by Will Ferrell, paid a surprise visit to President Donald Trump, portrayed by James Austin Johnson.
A Surprise Visit from Beyond
"Don't worry, Donald, it's me — your best friend, Jeffrey Epstein," began Ferrell's character, appearing in ghastly attire as Trump was taking one of his "patented mid-work naps" in the Oval Office. A startled Trump asked, "Jeffrey? But I thought you were dead?" Epstein replied, "I am, remember? I killed myself — wink!" The line nodded to conspiracy theories surrounding the late convicted sex offender's suicide.
Trump Updates Epstein on His Second Term
Johnson's Trump proceeded to catch Epstein up on his second term, noting his "approval ratings in the 30s." Ferrell's Epstein responded, "Oh, the 30s? Gross. Call me when it hits 17," and the two shared a laugh.
The faux Epstein later reminisced about the "fun times" they had together, adding that they "should've taken more pictures." Trump countered, "No, it's really bad that we took any."
A Blunt Reminder
Ferrell's Epstein closed with a blunt reminder: "No matter how many wars you start or how bad you tank the economy as a distraction, people will always associate you with me." The sketch also included an Epstein-Trump duet and several mock MAGA guest appearances.
