Jimmy Kimmel and Stephen Colbert React to Trump’s State of the Union
In a recent episode, late-night hosts Jimmy Kimmel and Stephen Colbert shared their reactions to former President Donald Trump’s unusually lengthy State of the Union address, which lasted 108 minutes. This speech set a new record, surpassing the former record held by Trump himself.
Trump’s Speech: Overview and Critique
The address featured a mix of claims and rhetoric, which Kimmel critiqued as fear-mongering. Kimmel humorously remarked, “What a speech it wasn’t,” and emphasized the speech’s theme: “all foreigners are murderers.” He accused Trump of misleading statements regarding immigration, claiming that no illegal aliens entered the country during his presidency while simultaneously using humor to point out the contradictions in his message.
Kimmel’s Key Observations
Kimmel’s segment included several notable remarks:
- Trump bragged about his administration’s policies, including cutting two million people off food stamps.
- Kimmel compared Trump’s speech to a “Christmas message from the Grinch.”
- He asked whether Trump’s rambling constituted a legitimate speech or a “conniption fit.”
In Kimmel’s view, the state of the nation was under threat, citing issues such as censorship of dissent, cuts to healthcare funding, and questionable alliances. He concluded that Trump prioritized personal interests over the welfare of the public.
Colbert’s Commentary on Trump’s Address
On his show, Stephen Colbert offered a live monologue in response to the address. He joked about preparing for the speech, mentioning that he “dropped an edible and strapped in.” Colbert pointed out the theme promoted by Trump’s team: “America at 250: Strong, Prosperous, and Respected,” and questioned its authenticity by saying, “if you have to say you’re strong, prosperous, and respected, it kind of feels like you’re not.”
Colbert’s Observations
In his analysis, Colbert noted:
- Trump appeared somewhat tired, albeit with a notably “nice and fluffy” hairstyle.
- Colbert humorously suggested Trump could have spent more time in a cotton candy machine.
Fallon’s Brief Take
Jimmy Fallon of The Tonight Show provided a brief commentary, highlighting how Trump focused heavily on his “major accomplishments.” Fallon quipped that Trump spent “an hour and a half” riffing after his eight seconds of named achievements, continuing a pattern from previous addresses.
These late-night reactions collectively reflect a blend of humor and critique, underscoring the tension surrounding Trump’s time in office and his public addresses. The discourse around his State of the Union remains intense, revealing varied public perceptions of his presidency.
