Matt Damon Channels Brett Kavanaugh in SNL’s Sharp Political Barroom Sketch

Matt Damon brought his trademark Boston charm to Saturday Night Live this past weekend, but it was his portrayal of Supreme Court Justice Brett Kavanaugh that stole the show and cut straight through the usual political theater.

The cold open featured Damon’s Kavanaugh sharing drinks at a Washington D.C. tavern with Colin Jost’s Defense Secretary Pete Hegseth and Aziz Ansari’s FBI Director Kash Patel — a trio that embodies the Trump administration’s revolving door of loyalists and enablers. Damon’s Kavanaugh casually drops a bombshell: “We’re gonna let Trump do a third term,” prompting wild cheers from his companions. The absurdity of this “top secret” plan mocks the ongoing attempts to undermine democratic norms and extend authoritarian rule.

The skit’s punchy humor doesn’t just rely on the characters’ names but targets their real-world roles in eroding democratic institutions. Hegseth boasts about starting a war, while Kavanaugh brags about overturning abortion rights. Patel’s character arrives with his own branded bourbon, a sly jab at the weaponization of federal agencies under his watch.

The scene ends with the group and other patrons breaking into a boozy rendition of Chumbawamba’s “Tubthumping” — a fitting anthem for these political figures who keep falling down but refuse to stay down, no matter how reckless their actions.

Damon’s performance was part of a broader episode that included other memorable sketches, such as a Navy admiral in a “Godzilla” movie and a dad in a cat litter commercial, showcasing his versatility. But it was the politically charged cold open that resonated most strongly, reminding viewers that the fight against authoritarian overreach continues.

This episode also featured Vermont singer Noah Kahan as musical guest, who performed tracks from his new album, adding a touch of New England to the Big Apple.

Damon, a frequent SNL host and Cambridge native, has a history of using the show to lampoon political figures, notably returning to his Kavanaugh role first introduced in 2018. This time, the satire feels especially urgent as the threats to democracy remain front and center.

Watch the cold open and more highlights to see how SNL continues to hold the powerful accountable with sharp humor and fearless commentary.