New Texas senator mocks SNL Trump impersonator over daily donation texts

James Talarico, the newly elected Texas senator, interrupted the opening sketch of the post-election episode of Saturday Night Live to mock the show’s portrayal of President Donald Trump. Talarico broke into the scene while the character, played by James Austin Johnson, used the insult “Talafreako” to discuss the midterm election results.

Talarico stepped in front of the sketch actor and introduced himself. “I’m James Talarico, the guy who’s been texting you every day asking for $5,” he said. Johnson’s Trump character responded, “In this economy, who can blame you,” while peeking out from behind the senator.

The senator suggested that if the president and he could collaborate, they could improve life for everyday Americans because voters wanted something different. Talarico then questioned how many more “Trump freezers” the show planned to run, a reference to Johnson’s frequent appearances in the cold open. Johnson replied, “Infinity,” before the pair shouted the show’s standard tagline together.

Talarico secured the Texas Senate seat by winning just over 55% of the vote in the race against Republican Attorney General Ken Paxton. The appearance came days after the state flipped blue in the midterms.

The interruption highlighted the new dynamic between the incoming senator and the show’s long-running bit. Talarico’s presence on stage signaled his comfort with pop culture references as he prepares to take office.