Late-night television took on a decidedly political tone as hosts responded to the recent victory of the US men’s hockey team at the Winter Olympics, which saw them secure a gold medal for the first time since 1980. The win, celebrated for its unifying spirit, coincided with the Supreme Court’s decision declaring Donald Trump’s tariffs unconstitutional, prompting a flurry of comedic commentary from some of the biggest names in late-night TV.
Jon Stewart’s Take: A Moment of Unity Amid Chaos
Jon Stewart returned to his familiar platform on *The Daily Show* to reflect on the emotional landscape of the nation following the hockey team’s nail-biting overtime victory against Canada. “This country is in such emotional turmoil right now,” he noted, highlighting a sense of division and uncertainty that many Americans feel. Yet, the exhilarating moment when 24-year-old Jack Hughes scored the winning goal seemed to transcend the chaos.
Stewart remarked, “This country was sinking into a cesspool we can’t recover from, but the vulcanized rubber disk went past the lord of the net.” His commentary captured the paradox of a nation grappling with issues of accountability and political strife, yet momentarily united by sports. He also critiqued the sight of Trump’s FBI Director, Kash Patel, celebrating with the team, asking rhetorically, “Is Kash Patel a Make-a-Wish man?”
Kimmel and Colbert Join the Fray
Jimmy Kimmel, back from a week-long hiatus, was quick to lampoon Trump’s escalating tensions with the Supreme Court and international affairs. “We were gone one week, and he’s now at war with the Supreme Court,” Kimmel quipped, shedding light on Trump’s various threats and distractions, including potential military actions and the mysterious release of UFO files. He declared the Supreme Court’s decision against Trump’s tariffs as “his most humiliating legal defeat,” adding a flair of humour by referencing Trump’s notorious courtroom antics.
Stephen Colbert also chimed in, celebrating the Supreme Court’s ruling as a rare moment of bipartisan agreement. “Justices, you’ve done something truly historic… you’ve made people go ‘woohoo!’ about tariffs,” he jested. Colbert mocked the dissenting justices, branding them with playful nicknames while highlighting Chief Justice John Roberts’ firm stance against Trump’s unilateral tariff powers.
Seth Meyers on Trump’s Tariff Troubles
Seth Meyers took a more pointed approach, poking fun at Trump’s claim of having read the entire Supreme Court decision, quipping, “It sounds like an alien pretending to be a high school sophomore.” He linked Trump’s distractions with UFOs to the ongoing controversies swirling around his administration, suggesting that each revelation serves as a smokescreen for deeper issues.
Meyers concluded with a prophetic note, implying that Trump’s upcoming announcements could be related to yet another scandal, leaving viewers in anticipation of what might unfold next.
Why it Matters
The intertwining of sports and politics in the narratives presented by late-night hosts underscores a significant cultural moment in America. The US men’s hockey team’s gold medal win, a beacon of hope and unity, stands in stark contrast to the divisive political climate, particularly amidst the fallout from Trump’s tariff policies. As citizens grapple with national identity and accountability, the comedic lens provided by these hosts offers not just entertainment but a reflective commentary on the state of the nation—one where the thrill of victory can momentarily eclipse the weight of political turmoil.
