Late-Night Comedy Takes on Trump's Second Presidential Year
Late-night television hosts have marked the one-year anniversary of Donald Trump's second term as President of the United States with a blend of satire and serious commentary. Stephen Colbert, Jimmy Kimmel, and Seth Meyers used their platforms to reflect on a tumultuous period characterised by rapid developments and media distractions.
Stephen Colbert's Monologue on Distraction and Drama
On The Late Show, Stephen Colbert noted that January 20th marked one full year of Trump's second presidency, a date he humorously linked to Penguin Awareness Day. Colbert emphasised how Trump has "monopolised our attention every second of every minute of every hour of every day," creating a constant news cycle that overshadows other events.
In a more serious tone, Colbert remarked, "A lot has happened in a short time," listing a series of controversial actions from the past year. These included renaming the Gulf of Mexico to the Gulf of America, holding a large military parade on his birthday, and proposing to make Canada the 51st state. He also mentioned executive orders ending birthright citizenship, White House renovations involving golden decorations, and personal financial gains exceeding $1.4 billion.
Colbert argued that the daily barrage of "new Trump horror dominating the headlines" serves to distract from previous controversies. He concluded, "Today's maniacal criminality distracts us from yesterday's maniac crimes," while questioning the whereabouts of the Epstein files. The host also played clips from a lengthy White House press conference, questioning Trump's coherence during afternoon appearances.
Jimmy Kimmel's Critique of International Relations
Jimmy Kimmel returned from the January holiday with a monologue that joked about Martin Luther King Day celebrations before turning to Trump's international dealings. Kimmel highlighted Trump's reaction to being overlooked for the Nobel Peace Prize, suggesting it might lead to conflicts with Scandinavian countries.
Kimmel specifically referenced a text message Trump sent to Norwegian Prime Minister Jonas Gahr Støre, which stated, "Considering your Country decided not to give me the Nobel Peace Prize for having stopped 8 Wars PLUS, I no longer feel an obligation to think purely of Peace." The host criticised this as an unprecedented diplomatic approach, comparing it to "crashing the plane because the stewardess didn't bring him a bag of peanuts."
Kimmel also addressed Trump's decision to post private text messages from world leaders like French President Emmanuel Macron on Truth Social. He noted that these messages often tiptoe around Trump's behaviour, with one line from Macron reading, "I do not understand what you are doing on Greenland." Kimmel responded, "That makes 8.1 billion of us, friend," and questioned whether sharing these texts made Trump look favourable, describing the exchanges as conversations with "a chimp with a hand grenade."
Seth Meyers on Policy and Personalities
Seth Meyers acknowledged the anniversary with a quip about traditional first-anniversary gifts, accompanied by a photo of a lit marijuana joint. He then critiqued a recent video from Trump promoting a healthcare plan that promised drug price reductions of "300, 400 and even 500%." Meyers pointed out the mathematical impossibility, noting, "Once again, 100% is the most you can lower a price," and referenced Trump's brief casino management history.
Meyers also touched on other White House news, joking about Vice-President JD Vance and his wife attending the Winter Olympics opening ceremony partly for diplomacy and partly "to shop for new countries to threaten." Additionally, he commented on First Lady Melania Trump's appearance at a Zoom event, quipping that it was surprising for someone who has "spent the last 10 years on mute."
Reflections on a Year of Turmoil
Collectively, the late-night hosts portrayed Trump's second year as a period of exhaustion and constant upheaval. Colbert summarised the sentiment by stating, "The last year has been exhausting. And not just for us. That's why Trump's always falling asleep." Their commentary blends humour with critical observations on presidential actions, international diplomacy, and media dynamics, offering a unique perspective on contemporary US politics.
Through their monologues, these comedians highlight how Trump's presidency continues to dominate public discourse, with each host providing insights into the chaotic nature of his leadership. Their takes serve as both entertainment and social commentary, reflecting broader public sentiments during a divisive political era.
