In the latest episode of the popular chat show, “The Late Show with Stephen Colbert,” host Stephen Colbert shed light on some concerning developments in America’s social security and healthcare system. With his signature wit and humor, Colbert discussed the changes being made by the Trump administration and their potential impact on the lives of everyday Americans.
Colbert started by addressing the recent announcement that Social Security would be eliminating phone services starting April 14th. This decision has raised eyebrows, as it leaves seniors without a crucial means of communication with Social Security. Colbert quipped, “If seniors aren’t calling Social Security, what will they use their phones for? Calling one Linda when they meant to call a different Linda? It’s fine, I’ll just talk to whichever Linda this is, that’s not what the other Linda would say.”
The Trump administration claims that this change is necessary to combat widespread social security fraud. However, Colbert debunked this claim by highlighting that Social Security already has an impressive payment accuracy rate of over 99%. He humorously suggested that if something is already working perfectly, there is no need to change it. Using a Jumanji analogy, Colbert lamented, “We had a perfectly good Jumanji already, we don’t need another Jumanji. Now we have The Rock and Kevin Hart, and you didn’t even call it Jumanji 2, ‘Tumanji’.”
Colbert also addressed the challenges faced by seniors in applying for Social Security benefits. With phone services being eliminated, the only options remaining are applying online or in person. However, nearly 6 million seniors would have to endure a round trip of more than 46 miles to visit an office in person. This, according to Colbert, means more old people driving. He humorously imagined the predicament, saying, “Tell you what, I’m going to be late home from work, yeah, I’m stuck on I90 behind 6 million Buick Lesabers driving 20 mph in the passing lane. But don’t worry, hun, according to their blinkers, they’re all about to turn left and park right there.”
Adding to the concerns, Elon Musk‘s Doge is expected to close down dozens of Social Security offices this year. Colbert sarcastically mused, “Okay, is Elon the new guy at a retirement home? ‘Cuz he is screwing a lot of old people.”
While Social Security is being undermined, Colbert shifted the focus to the Secretary of Health and Human Services, Robert F. Kennedy Jr. Recently, Kennedy called for states to ban fluoridated drinking water, labeling it as dangerous. Medical experts, however, consider fluoridated water one of the most important public health practices in the country’s history. Colbert playfully dismissed Kennedy’s stance, remarking, “Hush, hush, medical experts, your time has passed. We now balance our humors thanks to Robert King of Birds and his trusted vizier, Mr. Beaky.”
To make matters worse, Kennedy has fired numerous medical experts, stripping away centuries of collective expertise and institutional knowledge. Colbert humorously noted that this mass firing has resulted in HHS office managers spending their days trying to find basic office supplies to do their jobs. He jokingly portrayed a chaotic surgical scenario, exclaiming, “Alright, let’s close the incision – packing tape, oh god, where is the edge? I can never find this thing. Keep pressure on that, uh, to hell with it, give me a pack of Post-it notes.”
Despite the concerning developments in social security and healthcare, Colbert signed off the segment on a lighter note, hinting at the upcoming appearance of Emmy award-winning actress Cheryl Lee Ralph.
As always, “The Late Show with Stephen Colbert” brings an engaging blend of comedy, current events, and celebrity interviews to late-night television. Stay tuned for more outrageous and enlightening discussions on this ever-popular talk show.
