Matt Damon appeared on Saturday Night Live this week to portray Supreme Court Justice Brett Kavanaugh in a political cold-open sketch [1].

The performance uses satire to comment on the personalities and influence of high-ranking U.S. government officials. By placing these figures in a casual setting, the show highlights the perceived intersection of personal loyalty and judicial or executive power.

The sketch, which aired on May 9, 2026 [1], is set in a Washington, D.C. bar [2]. Damon's Kavanaugh is joined by Colin Jost, who portrays Secretary of Defense Pete Hegseth, and Aziz Ansari, who plays FBI Director Kash Patel [2]. The three characters spend the segment drinking and discussing current events to lampoon the current political climate [3].

During the conversation, the character of Kavanaugh makes a provocative suggestion regarding presidential term limits. "Let Trump do a third term," the character played by Damon said [4].

The sketch relies on the chemistry between the three actors to drive its comedic commentary. The setting of a bar allows the writers to present a version of these public figures that is stripped of official decorum, creating a contrast between their public roles and the satirical versions presented on screen [2].

This appearance marks a notable return for Damon to the program, utilizing a high-profile guest to tackle sensitive political themes. The segment focuses on the specific dynamics between the judiciary and the executive branch through the lens of the three depicted officials [4].

“"Let Trump do a third term."”

The use of A-list talent like Matt Damon to portray a Supreme Court Justice reflects the ongoing trend of late-night comedy focusing on the judicial branch as a primary site of political conflict. By satirizing the relationship between the Court and the executive branch, the sketch mirrors public discourse regarding the independence of the judiciary and the potential for expanded executive power in the U.S.