Steve Martin, Martin Short and Selena Gomez landed a series of pointed jokes about former President Donald Trump and conservative figures during an appearance Tuesday on "The Tonight Show Starring Jimmy Fallon" to promote the fifth season of the hit series "Only Murders in the Building."
Martin opened with a quip that referenced the restaurant chain Cracker Barrel, which recently restored older branding following pressure from some MAGA-aligned critics: "I’m actually in a fantastic mood tonight because I was recently added back to the Cracker Barrel logo," he said. Short followed with a crack aimed at Fallon and the long-delayed Jeffrey Epstein records: "Jimmy Fallon, or as the Epstein files know you as, ‘redacted.’" He added, "Look how handsome you are, really! Your teeth are so white, your smile is like an email from Trump, all caps."
Martin extended the barbs to immigration and media commentary, saying, "I have to say, I know we’re just kind of being funny here, of all the late-night hosts, honestly, I will miss you most when you are deported to Uganda," delivering the line as part of the show's comedic exchange. Gomez largely remained on the sidelines of the back-and-forth until Martin asked for her take; she dryly replied, "No. I’m happy here just watching you two struggle."
Short capped the segment with a reference to Fox News personality Greg Gutfeld, who drew attention after appearing on Fallon's program last month for a discussion that some observers called apolitical. "Well, I just love the show, I wish I could see it more. But, you know, it’s on so late and I’m kind of a ‘Gutfeld’ guy,'" Short quipped.
The trio's visit combined promotion for the forthcoming season with the kind of topical ribbing common on late-night television. Martin and Short have frequently included political material in their comedy over the years, and the exchange on Fallon leaned into that tradition while spotlighting current cultural touchstones: the Cracker Barrel branding controversy, public scrutiny and delayed disclosures related to the Epstein case, and debate over the role of partisan voices on mainstream late-night programs.
Fallon has hosted a range of guests across the political spectrum in recent months, and the segment illustrated how promotional appearances on entertainment programs can also serve as platforms for rapid, sometimes pointed comic commentary. The "Only Murders in the Building" actors did not expand on policy or politics beyond their jokes, focusing attention primarily on the new season they were there to promote.