Tom Hanks Revives David S. Pumpkins on SNL Cold Open Skewering Trump’s Rally Comments and Nicki Minaj Endorsement

Tom Hanks returned to “Saturday Night Live” on Halloween night, bringing back his beloved David S. Pumpkins character for a cold open that parodied President Donald Trump’s recent campaign trail behavior. The sketch highlighted Trump’s rambling speeches and his apparent fixation on men’s physiques, with Hanks’ Pumpkins adding absurdist humor to the political satire. The segment also featured Saidah Belo-Osagie as Nicki Minaj, poking fun at the rapper’s vocal support for Trump. The show aired just days before the election, using comedy to underscore the oddity of the final stretch of the campaign. By blending pop culture nostalgia with sharp political commentary, SNL aimed to capture the surreal tone of the 2020 election cycle. The appearance of a fan-favorite character like David S. Pumpkins helped draw attention to the show’s critique of Trump’s rhetoric, ensuring the sketch resonated with both comedy fans and politically engaged viewers.