In the cold open, actress Ashley Padilla portrayed Kristi Noem with her signature makeup and hairstyle. The character in the sketch claimed she was “not fired but self-deported,” a line mocking the previous media campaign calling for immigrants to leave the U.S. voluntarily.
The script also touched on several controversies surrounding Noem, including a passage in her book about shooting her pet dog in the past, alongside rumors about plastic surgery.
Colin Jost appeared as Secretary of Defense Pete Hegseth, remarking that Noem was “transferred under the bus,” a satirical jab at her departure from the leadership of the Department of Homeland Security.
The sketch also mentioned other controversies related to a $220 million television advertising campaign and rumors regarding a relationship with DHS advisor Corey Lewandowski.
According to previous reports, President Trump decided to terminate Noem's role at the Department of Homeland Security (DHS) just as she appeared on stage, appointing her as a special envoy for the “Shield of the Americas” initiative.
Sources indicate that Republican Senator Markwayne Mullin of Oklahoma has been chosen to replace her at the head of DHS.
