Late Night Hosts Roast Noem Firing, Trump & Iran War Response
Late night television found plenty to dissect on Thursday, from the abrupt firing of South Dakota Governor Kristi Noem to the ongoing geopolitical tensions surrounding Iran, and even a surprisingly pointed critique from Robert F. Kennedy Jr. Regarding the sugar content of Starbucks and Dunkin’ beverages. Hosts Stephen Colbert, Seth Meyers, and Jimmy Kimmel each offered their takes on the day’s headlines, blending political commentary with their signature comedic styles.
Colbert’s Stark Assessment of Noem’s Departure
Stephen Colbert wasted no time addressing the news of Kristi Noem’s removal as Secretary of Homeland Security. He initially joked that Noem’s downfall stemmed from “standing too close to that gravel pit,” a reference to ongoing scrutiny over a story she shared about shooting her dog. However, Colbert quickly shifted to a more serious tone, stating unequivocally, “She is a domestic terrorist who deserves to move to Gitmo.” This strong condemnation reflects the intense criticism Noem has faced during her political career, and particularly regarding her handling of issues related to immigration and border security.
The reaction from within the Trump administration was swift, with Donald Trump announcing via Truth Social that Noem would be reassigned as a “special envoy for the Shield of the Americas,” a newly created security initiative. Colbert quipped that this new role sounded like she was being appointed “the Fifa secretary of homeland security.” Reports from Semafor indicated that one White House insider simply responded to the news with “hallelujah,” a sentiment Colbert echoed, noting the telling nature of co-workers celebrating a firing.
Colbert also highlighted concerns about the state of Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE) under Noem’s leadership, citing reports of undisciplined, violent, and poorly trained agents. He pointed to a disturbing trend of ICE agents accidentally shooting themselves, and then used a clip of an immigration officer slipping on ice as a darkly humorous counterpoint.
Meyers on Trump’s “Turbulent” Cabinet and Epstein Files
Seth Meyers, on Late Night, focused on what he described as Trump’s “cabinet in turmoil” following Noem’s firing. He playfully mocked Noem’s penchant for posing in various official uniforms, showcasing photographs of her dressed as a firefighter, police officer, and soldier, quipping, “We were only months away from her showing up as both leads in Wicked.”
Meyers then turned his attention to the ongoing saga surrounding the Jeffrey Epstein case, specifically reports that the Department of Justice had withheld and removed certain files related to Trump. He sarcastically commented, “It’s so classically Trump to only hide files that mention him. I’m sure someone said, ‘We could hide something about Bill Clinton so it all looks less obvious.’ And he was like, ‘No, keep those in, make copies. Oh, This represents gonna be good; I am never going to reap what I sow.’”
The host also took aim at Trump’s downplaying of rising US gas prices amid the tensions with Iran, quoting the president’s remarks and comparing him to “an Italian maitre d’ who won’t give me a straight answer on when my table’s gonna be ready.” Meyers wryly noted that high gas prices were particularly detrimental to his show, as “aside from ER waiting rooms, our biggest source of eyeballs is gas station TV.”
Kimmel’s “Game of Thrones” Take on Noem’s Exit
Jimmy Kimmel opened Jimmy Kimmel Live with a comparison of Noem’s firing to the infamous “red wedding” from Game of Thrones. He poked fun at her new appointment as special envoy for the Shield of the Americas, stating, “I think I speak for all of us when I say we wish her well in her brand new, completely made up job.” Kimmel even joked about the possibility of Noem being deported to El Salvador.
Noem’s replacement, Senator Markwayne Mullin, a former MMA fighter and plumber, also drew Kimmel’s attention. “According to White House staffers, Trump loves watching him on TV,” Kimmel said. “And I agree. I love watching him on TV too – in the same way I loved watching Honey Boo Boo on TV.”
Kimmel questioned whether Noem’s departure signaled further shakeups within the administration, listing potential candidates for removal, including Pam Bondi, Kash Patel, and even Robert F. Kennedy Jr. He then shifted to Kennedy’s recent criticism of sugary coffee drinks, noting that RFK Jr. Had called on Dunkin’ and Starbucks to provide safety data for beverages containing high levels of sugar. Kimmel wryly observed, “All of a sudden, the Trump administration is interested in the safety of teenage girls. How about that?”
RFK Jr.’s Coffee Concerns and the Broader Context
The late-night hosts’ brief mentions of Robert F. Kennedy Jr.’s critique of Dunkin’ and Starbucks highlight a growing public awareness of the health implications of sugary drinks. As reported by Fox 13 News, Kennedy specifically questioned the safety of iced coffees containing upwards of 115 grams of sugar. This sparked immediate backlash, with Massachusetts Governor Maura Healey publicly defending the state’s beloved Dunkin’ brand on social media. The incident underscores a broader debate about personal responsibility, corporate accountability, and the role of government in regulating food and beverage choices.
While the immediate focus of the late-night segments was comedic, the underlying themes – political turmoil, questionable leadership, and public health concerns – reflect the anxieties and preoccupations of the current moment. The hosts’ ability to dissect these issues with humor and insight continues to make late-night television a vital platform for political and cultural commentary.
What’s next: The fallout from Noem’s firing and the implications of her new role will likely continue to be a topic of discussion in the coming days. The Department of Health and Human Services has not yet responded to requests for comment regarding whether the administration intends to follow through on Kennedy Jr.’s demands regarding sugary beverages, leaving the future of that particular debate uncertain. The ongoing coverage will depend on further developments within the administration and any official statements released by those involved.