Stephen Colbert on Thursday interrupted audience applause on "The Late Show" after offering President Donald Trump a rare measure of praise and then delivering a string of barbs that touched on vaccines, Jeffrey Epstein and the Trump Organization’s reported bid to run the Central Park ice rink.
Trump, speaking in public remarks this week, said, "Look, you have vaccines that work. They just pure and simple work. They’re not controversial at all." Colbert initially responded, "Wow. That is shockingly sensible," but quickly undercut the compliment with a joke: "But you know what they say about a broken clock. It was close friends with Jeffrey Epstein." The quip referenced the late convicted sex offender who had social ties to Trump.
Colbert also cited a New York Times report that the Trump Organization is poised to lose its bid to operate the Central Park ice rink, a contract it held until 2021. The audience cheered at that news; Colbert playfully rebuked them, saying, "Don't applaud, that's terrible! Now I'll never realize my dream of seeing ‘Cankles On Ice.'" The line referenced Trump's well-documented swollen feet and ankles, a condition reported as chronic venous insufficiency.
The jabs came as Robert F. Kennedy Jr., serving as Health and Human Services secretary, faces calls to resign over his public stance on vaccines, a controversy Colbert referenced while noting the president’s unexpectedly pro-vaccine comment. Colbert’s quick pivot from praise to satire is consistent with his program’s approach to current events and public figures.
Colbert’s remarks combined topical political reporting and late-night comedy traditions that rapidly shift tone. He juxtaposed an unusual moment of agreement with the president over vaccines against questions about Trump’s past associations and ongoing business dealings, extracting comic contrast for his audience.
The monologue aired as debate over vaccine policy and public health messaging continues to draw attention in Washington, and as scrutiny of Trump’s business activities persists in New York and elsewhere. Colbert’s segment adds to a string of late-night responses that use humor and sharp observations to comment on those unfolding stories.