In a recent episode of The Late Show with Stephen Colbert, host Stephen Colbert kicked off the show by addressing the inauguration of President Donald Trump. Colbert, known for his witty commentary on current events, expressed both humor and disbelief at the state of affairs.
Colbert acknowledged that Trump’s return to the presidency might mean that the jokes practically write themselves. However, he reassured his audience that if they didn’t find the jokes amusing, it wasn’t the fault of the writers, as the situation itself was ripe for comedy.
The host then delved into a discussion about how we arrived at this point, referencing former Secretary of Defense Don Rumsfeld’s famous axioms. Rumsfeld’s concept of unknown knowns – things that we know but choose to ignore – resonated as Colbert pondered why the American people seemed to turn a blind eye to what they knew about Trump.
The episode then shifted its focus to the actual inauguration day. Colbert described the frigid weather in Washington, D.C., which prompted Trump to move the ceremony indoors to the Capital Rotunda. This decision was met with skepticism, as the Rotunda has a limited capacity and would inevitably result in a smaller crowd. This move led to Colbert humorously dubbing it “the smallest inauguration crowd of all time.”
One notable moment during the inauguration was when Trump took the oath of office without placing his hand on the Bible. Colbert jokingly questioned whether Trump could be considered president without this traditional gesture. The host quipped about the role of Melania Trump‘s oversized hat, comparing it to a sneeze guard on a salad bar.
Colbert also shared some comedic remarks about Senator John Thune, who arrived at the ceremony wearing shorts in the freezing weather. The host drew parallels between Thune’s fashion choice and the iconic image of Bernie Sanders wearing mittens at the 2020 inauguration.
The episode continued with Colbert’s playful critique of Melania Trump‘s outfit, likening her appearance to various characters, including Carmen Sandiego and the spy from “Spy vs. Spy.”
Finally, Colbert humorously dissected Trump’s inauguration speech, describing it as a mix of familiar complaints and bizarre statements. Trump’s promise to change the name of the Gulf of Mexico to the Gulf of America and restore Mount McKinley’s name were met with humorous skepticism. Colbert also teased Trump’s declaration to pursue American imperialism in space, jokingly referring to it as “Manifest Destiny in space.”
While Colbert’s commentary throughout the episode reflected his signature wit and sarcasm, he ended on a more reflective note. He encouraged viewers, regardless of their political stance, to approach the new president’s term with fresh eyes and let go of preconceived notions. As the nation embarked on this new chapter, Colbert expressed hope for a bright future and the beginning of a golden age.
As the episode concluded, Colbert teased the upcoming guests, the hosts of Cod Save America, leaving his audience eager for more entertainment and political satire.
In conclusion, this episode of The Late Show with Stephen Colbert provided a lively and entertaining take on President Trump’s inauguration, showcasing Colbert’s trademark wit and humor. The show’s analysis and satirical commentary on the events surrounding the inauguration demonstrated its ability to engage viewers with current affairs while keeping them entertained.
