Late-Night Comics Applaud Trump’s Peace Deal—Then Rip Into Him Anyway
Late-night TV hosts praised President Donald Trump for brokering a cease-fire between Israel and Hamas, then mocked him. Their smart answer reveals how partisan satire increasingly hinders diplomacy.
After two years of fighting, Trump’s Middle East trip celebrated Gaza peace. Even fierce Trump critics welcomed the Monday release of all Israeli and nearly 2,000 Palestinian inmates. Stephen Colbert, Jimmy Kimmel, and John Oliver acknowledged Trump’s accomplishments despite their regular criticism.
Starting his monologue, Stephen Colbert said something good had happened. He called hostage release and prisoner swap “important,” adding, “Credit where credit is due. Mr. Trump did well.” Colbert rhetorically wondered whether praise got him “canceled”. He also attacked Trump’s Nobel Peace Prize chances after negotiating the accord, calling the committee’s rejection almost ridiculous.
Jimmy Kimmel cautiously congratulated. He praised Trump for stopping bombardment and liberating hostages before condemning. He quipped that Trump should avoid deploying troops to Portland “while you’re on a roll,” referring to contentious federal intrusions in U.S. communities. Kimmel said the peace accord is just one stage in a complicated process that requires “good work”
On “Last Week Tonight,” John Oliver termed the cease-fire “very good news” and attacked a House motion to “honor Trump” with a Nobel. He was stunned Congress would vote on the prize. The trio praised cautiously.
Tonal ambiguity is telling. It proves Trump’s biggest opponents can’t ignore a diplomatic triumph. Comedy always requires study, as seen by their reaction. While praising Trump’s success, the hosts maintained critical distance.
Since late-night comedy incorporates politics and commentary, the tension between mocking and acknowledging seems inevitable—especially when international events force comedians to confront unexpected gray zones. These situations allow applause and jokes.
Sources
The Hill
Yahoo Entertainment
The Daily Beast
