Stephen Colbert, the host of The Late Show, has been vocal about Donald Trump's peculiar behavior and the ongoing Epstein saga. In a recent episode, he addressed Trump's bizarre reaction to the Epstein files and the subsequent drop in public optimism. Colbert highlighted a Gallup poll indicating that Americans are now less hopeful than ever, with optimism hitting a new low of the 50s, down from 69%.
Trump's approval rating has also taken a hit, falling to a new second-term low of 36%. Colbert humorously noted that it's challenging to envision a lower number, but he remained optimistic. He attributed the decline in approval to Trump's obsession with branding everything with his name, a trait that has apparently become a significant issue.
This week, reports emerged that Trump had suspended funding for a substantial $16 billion rail tunnel project between New York City and New Jersey. Colbert mocked this decision, suggesting that it would be a temporary source of joy for New Yorkers until the tunnel's unpleasant odor became intolerable. The story took a turn when it was revealed that Trump was demanding funding in exchange for renaming Washington Dulles International Airport and Penn Station after himself. Colbert proposed a compromise, suggesting the renaming of a Port Authority bus terminal's men's room stall number three, humorously describing it as the one without a door or toilet.
The conversation then shifted to Trump's recent claim of being 'totally exonerated' since the Epstein files were released. Colbert found this statement particularly frustrating, especially given the lack of consequences for Epstein's associates in the US. In contrast, he praised the UK's handling of the situation, mentioning the stripping of Andrew's prince title and his relocation from the royal lodge to a farmhouse. Colbert used this as a cautionary tale, implying that continued misbehavior could result in a five-bedroom cottage at most.
The segment also touched on rumors of an affair between Kristi Noem and her top aide, Corey Lewandowski. Colbert noted that while such power abuses would typically attract attention, Noem's permanent raised eyebrows might have desensitized the public to such scandals.
