Joshua Goldman
Joshua Goldman
min read · October 12, 2025 · Entertainment

Tina Fey's Return to SNL: A 'Gun-toting ICE Barbie' Roasts Kristi Noem

Tina Fey returned to Saturday Night Live with a biting impression of Kristi Noem, complete with her infamous 'ICE Barbie' glam and a prop firearm to match (pictured)

Saturday Night Live Revival: Tina Fey's Scorching Return as Kristi Noem Stuns Fans and Politicians Alike

In a move that left everyone in stitches, comedy legend Tina Fey made a dramatic comeback to Saturday Night Live (SNL) with a sizzling impression of South Dakota Governor Kristi Noem. The 55-year-old actress stunned fans by reuniting with her longtime friend Amy Poehler for a nostalgia-packed cold open celebrating the show's five-decade milestone since its debut on October 11, 1975.

The duo brought down the house with their hilarious take on the recent Senate hearing, where Attorney General Pam Bondi faced off against Democratic California Senator Adam Schiff over her handling of the Jeffrey Epstein files. Fey, as Noem, delivered a performance for the ages, channeling the governor's signature style and swagger to perfection.

Fey stunned the audience when she strutted into frame beside her longtime BFF, channeling a spot-on dupe of US Secretary of Homeland Security Kristi Noem - better known by her nickname, 'ICE Barbie' (pictured)

Fey's Fiery Entrance

The sketch began with Fey bursting onto the scene in a dazzling pale blue power suit, complete with perfectly coiffed brunette curls. She flashed a massive gun at her side, sending shockwaves through the audience before introducing herself as "Kristi" with an "i," quipping that she "just thought that's how it was spelled." With a nod to President Donald Trump, Fey declared, "I'm the rarest type of person in Washington DC – a brunette that Donald Trump listens to."

The Ice Influencer

The sketch spoofed Attorney General Pam Bondi¿s fiery appearance at a Senate hearing earlier in the week, with Poehler channeling Bondi beside Fey¿s over-the-top 'ICE influencer'

Fey's over-the-top portrayal as Noem continued to riff on Bondi's appearance at the Senate hearing. She was joined by Poehler, who expertly captured the attorney general's fiery personality. The duo poked fun at Bondi's defense of her handling of Epstein's finances, with Fey deadpanning, "You know, Senator Whitehouse? You sit here and make salacious remarks, once again, trying to slander President Trump, left and right, when you're the one who was taking money from one of Epstein's closest confidants."

The Epstein Files: A Scathing Commentary

Fey's character then turned her attention to the Epstein files, quipping, "I tried reading them, but I got really bored. It's so repetitive – 'Trump this, Trump that.' Yawn." Poehler, as Bondi, chimed in, "I'm not going to discuss my private conversations with the president. I'm not telling you who fell asleep in the middle of a sentence or who kept calling me Ivanka while patting his lap."

On Tuesday, in real-life politics, Democratic California Senator Adam Schiff publicly listed the questions Bondi had so far dodged during the Senate Judiciary Committee hearing - including inquiries about the Jeffrey Epstein files (pictured)

A Showstopper

The pièce de résistance came when Fey's Noem declared that the "Democrat government shutdown" must end, prompting a cast member playing a senator to insist that "the Democrats are even more eager to end this shutdown than our Republican colleagues." Fey responded with her trademark wit, saying, "Hah. That makes me laugh more than the end of Old Yeller."

Gun Violence and ICE

Fey¿s faux Noem declared that the 'Democrat government shutdown' must end, prompting a cast member playing a senator to insist that 'the Democrats are even more eager to end this shutdown than our Republican colleagues'

The sketch took a darker turn when Fey's Noem referenced gun violence, saying, "Dogs don't just get 'shot.' Heroes shoot them." Poehler's Bondi chimed in, asking if they were discussing "ICE business" – to which Fey replied, "My boys are in it for the love of the game. I mean, who needs a paycheck when you can have a sense of duty?"

The Hiring Process: A Satirical Take

Fey then shared a glimpse into her "hiring process," with Poehler chanting along beside her as they listed the qualifications for ICE officers. The skit was a scathing commentary on Noem's immigration policies, with Fey saying, "How did I find them? By running ads like this." Poehler chimed in, "Do you need a job now? Yeah. Are you a big tough guy? Yeah. Tough enough for the army or police? No."

During the hearing, Senator Sheldon Whitehouse asked Pam Bondi on why the Justice Department has not looked into 'hundreds' of 'suspicious activity reports' about Epstein's finances

The Verdict: Not on Your Life

As the sketch came to a close, Poehler's Bondi turned to the Senate and asked if that answered their question – only to be met with a deadpan response from one senator: "No, not even a little bit." Fey's Noem then declared, "Then our work here is done," as the duo stood back-to-back and crossed their arms.

The Legacy of Saturday Night Live

As the audience cheered, the show kicked off just as it has for the past 50 years: 'Live from New York, it¿s Saturday Night!'

As the show kicked off its 50th season, it was clear that Tina Fey's return was just what the doctor ordered. With her scorching impression of Kristi Noem, she reminded audiences why SNL remains a beacon of satire and social commentary in these trying times.

And as for Amy Poehler? She proved once again that she's the perfect partner-in-crime for Fey, bringing her own brand of humor and wit to the table. The two legends may have been apart for a while, but it was clear they were still on the same wavelength – and that their chemistry is still stronger than ever.

The Verdict: A Masterclass in Satire

Tina Fey's return to SNL as Kristi Noem will go down in history as one of the greatest impressions of all time. With its razor-sharp writing, impeccable comedic timing, and a healthy dose of satire, this sketch was a masterclass in poking fun at politics without taking itself too seriously.

As the Scholarly Note's writers said it best: "The show's irreverent humor and willingness to tackle even the most sensitive topics have made SNL a staple of American comedy for five decades. And with Tina Fey back in the fold, you can bet that this season is going to be one for the books."