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As the Super Bowl approached, late-night television hosts took the opportunity to dissect former President Donald Trump’s decision to skip the event, alongside his recent attempts to divert attention from the Epstein files. The prevailing sentiment? Trump’s fear of public backlash is palpable, and his explanations are less than convincing.
Seth Meyers Questions Trump’s Absence
With the iconic American football final just around the corner, Seth Meyers posed an intriguing question on his show: why is Trump, who typically thrives on the limelight, opting out of an event he attended last year? “You’d think he’d be there, especially with his well-known affection for both football and fame,” Meyers remarked.
Trump’s rationale for missing the game, set to take place in Santa Clara, California, revolved around the distance. He claimed, “It’s just too far away,” despite acknowledging his popularity with fans, saying he had received “great hands [at] the Super Bowl. They like me.” Meyers, however, was quick to poke holes in this excuse. “Do you not own a plane? We weren’t expecting you to travel with Eric, Don Jr., and Melania in a minivan,” he quipped.
The late-night host suggested that the true reason for Trump’s absence might be rooted in the current political climate. After showing a clip of the former president being met with boos at an NFL game last November, Meyers concluded, “Of course Trump is worried about getting booed. His approval ratings are at an all-time low, and his party is facing significant losses.”
Stephen Colbert on Trump’s Deflections
Not to be outdone, Stephen Colbert addressed the ongoing implications of the recently released Epstein files, highlighting Trump’s eagerness to shift the narrative. “He wants this to go away,” Colbert said, alluding to Trump’s comments in the Oval Office where he urged the nation to “move on.”
Colbert’s sharp wit was on full display as he mocked Trump’s attempts to dismiss the scandal. “Yes, sir, it’s time to turn the page,” he fired back, “but you’re on like 5,000 of those pages.” His commentary turned serious as he noted the absurdity of Trump’s defensive remarks directed at CNN reporter Kaitlan Collins, accusing her of being dishonest and even deriding her smile. “It’s disgusting and misogynistic,” Colbert asserted, emphasising the troubling implications of Trump’s words.
Jimmy Kimmel Weighs In on the Melania Documentary
Over on Jimmy Kimmel Live!, the host took a humorous jab at the box office performance of the Melania Trump documentary, which grossed over $7 million against a staggering budget of $75. Kimmel cited reports that suggested ticket blocks were purchased and distributed to Republican activists and senior citizens. “Imagine those poor seniors,” he jested. “Here are your heart pills and a pair of tickets to Melania.”
Kimmel didn’t stop there, noting the documentary’s dismal 5% rating on Rotten Tomatoes, which he pointed out was “1% lower than Gigli.” In an ironic twist, he highlighted the audience score of 99%, which surpassed that of classic films like The Godfather. “I’m sure Donald J Corleone had nothing to do with that at all,” he quipped, calling for a box office recount and a humorous investigation.
Why it Matters
The discourse surrounding Trump’s absence from the Super Bowl and his attempts to evade scrutiny regarding the Epstein files reflects a broader cultural moment. Late-night hosts, serving as the modern-day commentators, underscore the public’s appetite for accountability and truth in politics. As they blend humour with critical analysis, they highlight the ongoing challenges facing Trump and his party, illustrating how even the most powerful figures are not beyond the reach of public sentiment. In an era where entertainment and politics increasingly intertwine, these comedic insights offer a lens through which viewers can engage with complex societal issues while finding moments of levity.
