Stephen Colbert laughs at how Democrats responded to Trump's don't-investigate-me threat
"It's a beautiful day in America, because remember [President] Trump's threat from the State of the Union," about no peace with investigations? Stephen Colbert asked on Thursday's Late Show. "Well, bye-bye peace, because less than 24 hours after being directly threatened by the president of the United States, House Democrats announced a new investigation into President Trump's foreign financial interests and Russia ties. ... Yes, Trump drew a line in the sand. But you know a good way to erase that line? Blue wave."
"And it's not just the intelligence committee," Colbert said. "The House Ways and Means Committee met today to start building a case to pursue Trump's tax returns. ... We're finally going to find out what's in 'em! Did Putin claim Trump as a dependent? Did Trump check the box where you donate $3 to a Russian oligarch? Did he list his status as 'Married' or 'Yeah, But I'm Not Dead'?" It will be hard for Trump to stop this, but Trump is trying, instructing Treasury officials to drag their feet until well into the 2020 campaign.
Clearly, "Trump's not happy — yesterday he coined a new catchphrase to describe the investigation," Colbert said. "Yes, 'presidential harassment.' It's like sexual harassment, only Republicans take it seriously." He also read Trump's rage-tweet about the investigations, laughing at Democrats "going 'nuts' looking into possible 'crimes' that you definitely 'did,'" gawking at Trump's assertion that Republicans never investigated Obama, and puzzling out Trump accusing Democrats of "stealing people who work at White House." "Is he using stealing as a very or an adjective?" Colbert asked. He finished with Trump's curious statement about American accomplishments at Thursday's National Prayer Breakfast: "Abolition of civil rights? 'Ooops, I accidentally read next year's speech.'" Watch below. Peter Weber
Subscribe to The Week
Escape your echo chamber. Get the facts behind the news, plus analysis from multiple perspectives.
Sign up for The Week's Free Newsletters
From our morning news briefing to a weekly Good News Newsletter, get the best of The Week delivered directly to your inbox.
From our morning news briefing to a weekly Good News Newsletter, get the best of The Week delivered directly to your inbox.
Create an account with the same email registered to your subscription to unlock access.
Sign up for Today's Best Articles in your inbox
A free daily email with the biggest news stories of the day – and the best features from TheWeek.com
Peter has worked as a news and culture writer and editor at The Week since the site's launch in 2008. He covers politics, world affairs, religion and cultural currents. His journalism career began as a copy editor at a financial newswire and has included editorial positions at The New York Times Magazine, Facts on File, and Oregon State University.
-
'Republicans want to silence Israel's opponents'
Instant Opinion Opinion, comment and editorials of the day
By Harold Maass, The Week US Published
-
Poland, Germany nab alleged anti-Ukraine spies
Speed Read A man was arrested over a supposed Russian plot to kill Ukrainian President Zelenskyy
By Peter Weber, The Week US Published
-
Today's political cartoons - April 19, 2024
Cartoons Friday's cartoons - priority delivery, USPS on fire, and more
By The Week US Published
-
OJ Simpson, star athlete tried for murder, dead at 76
Speed Read The former football hero and murder suspect lost his battle with cancer
By Rafi Schwartz, The Week US Published
-
Momofuku's 'Chili Crunch' trademark uproar
Speed Read The company's attempt to own the sole rights has prompted backlash
By Rafi Schwartz, The Week US Published
-
Kevin Hart awarded Mark Twain Prize
Speed Read He is the 25th recipient of the prestigious comedy prize
By Peter Weber, The Week US Published
-
Is Downton Abbey set to return for a final film?
Speed Read Imelda Staunton reveals that a third movie may be in the pipeline
By Adrienne Wyper, The Week UK Published
-
'Oppenheimer' sweeps Oscars with 7 wins
speed read The film won best picture, best director (Christopher Nolan) and best actor (Cillian Murphy)
By Peter Weber, The Week US Published
-
'Rust' armorer convicted of manslaughter
speed read The film's cinematographer Halyna Hutchins was shot and killed by actor Alec Baldwin during rehearsal
By Peter Weber, The Week US Published
-
The Beatles are getting 4 intersecting biopics
Speed Read Director Sam Mendes is making four separate movies, each told from the perspective of one band member
By Peter Weber, The Week US Published
-
Taylor Swift to Miley Cyrus: female artists dominate 2024 Grammys
Speed Read SZA, Phoebe Bridgers and Lainey Wilson were also among the winners at LA gala
By Arion McNicoll, The Week UK Published