John Mulaney Turns His ‘SNL’ Monologue Into a Roast of Robert F. Kennedy Jr.

John Mulaney used his latest Saturday Night Live opening monologue to take aim at Robert F. Kennedy Jr., turning the health secretary’s name, public profile and past work into material for a string of jokes. The comic opened with an impression of Kennedy, imagining him wrestling with the contrast between his famous family name and his own reputation while asking to be put in charge of people’s health. Mulaney then targeted Kennedy’s vaccine skepticism, joking that measles could not be the answer to the health secretary’s problems. He also poked fun at Kennedy’s former career as an environmental lawyer, portraying him as someone who might join a legal case only when it appeared close to success. The comedian drew on his own past encounters with Kennedy, explaining that he had performed at benefit events for Riverkeepers, the organization Kennedy worked with to protect the Hudson River. Mulaney used that experience to make a contrast between Kennedy’s earlier environmental role and his current position overseeing health policy. The Nov. 14 appearance marked Mulaney’s seventh time hosting SNL, according to the report. The monologue also included material about his family and children whose unusually deep, raspy voices reminded him of Kennedy. The segment’s central focus, however, was the politician, with Mulaney using impersonation and exaggerated imagery to satirize both his public persona and his move from environmental law to national health leadership.