In a whirlwind of humour and biting commentary, Jon Stewart and fellow late-night hosts took to their stages to dissect the recent triumph of the US men’s hockey team at the Olympics, alongside the fallout from the Supreme Court’s ruling on Donald Trump’s tariffs. With America basking in the glory of a gold medal win against Canada, the late-night landscape became a stage for both celebration and critique, reflecting the nation’s divided spirit.
Stewart Celebrates Victory, Questions Authority
Jon Stewart made a triumphant return to *The Daily Show* the day after the US men’s hockey team clinched their first Olympic gold since 1980, defeating Canada in a nail-biting overtime finish. Amid the jubilation, Stewart did not shy away from addressing the chaos enveloping the country. “This nation is in a state of emotional disarray,” he remarked, highlighting the feeling of division and uncertainty that seems to permeate American life.
He then showcased the dramatic moment when 24-year-old Jack Hughes scored the decisive goal, exclaiming, “He put that thing behind that other guy!” His enthusiasm painted a picture of unity brought forth by sport, yet Stewart quickly pivoted to the surreal sight of Kash Patel, the FBI director, celebrating with a gold medal around his neck. “Is that the FBI Director? Why is he wearing a medal? Is he a Make-a-Wish kid?” Stewart quipped, combining absurdity with sharper political critique.
Kimmel and Colbert Join the Fray
Over on *Jimmy Kimmel Live!*, Kimmel returned from a week off to find the political landscape even more chaotic than before. He recapped the whirlwind events surrounding Trump, who had simultaneously declared war on the Supreme Court while threatening military action abroad. Kimmel couldn’t resist poking fun at the former president’s desperate attempts at distraction, quipping, “The only thing he hasn’t done is set his nipples on fire.”
Kimmel also celebrated the Supreme Court’s decision to overturn Trump’s tariffs, calling it a “humiliating legal defeat” for the former president. He seized the moment to mock Trump’s response, suggesting that if refunds were to be issued for the tariffs, it would be like Rumpelstiltskin revealing his name—an act that would vanish Trump from the public eye.
Stephen Colbert, too, revelled in the Supreme Court’s ruling, exclaiming, “Justices, you’ve done something truly historic! You’ve made people cheer about tariffs!” His playful jibe at the dissenting opinions of conservative justices added to the ongoing narrative of Trump’s contentious relationship with the judiciary. “Do you hear that, Mr President? Your tariffs are so illegal, the Supreme Court just ordered you to exercise,” he jested, providing a moment of levity amid serious political discourse.
Meyers Takes on Trump’s Alien Claims
Seth Meyers took a slightly different angle on his *Late Night* show, using humour to critique Trump’s assertion that he had read the entire Supreme Court decision regarding his tariffs. “That’s how you know someone’s a book lover—when they read all the paragraphs,” Meyers deadpanned, likening Trump’s claim to an alien trying to pass as a high school student.
Meyers also addressed Trump’s bizarre hints at releasing UFO-related documents, suggesting that the timing was anything but coincidental. “We’re one Epstein story away from Trump announcing that UFOs are real,” he joked, hinting at the absurdity of the current political climate.
Why it Matters
The late-night commentary surrounding the US men’s hockey team’s victory and the Supreme Court’s ruling reflects deeper societal divisions and the tumultuous political landscape. In an era where sport can serve as a unifying force, these hosts remind us that joy is often shadowed by political absurdity. Their incisive wit not only entertains but also encourages viewers to engage with the pressing issues of our time, making it clear that while conflict remains, laughter is a powerful tool in navigating uncertainty.
