Colbert and Kimmel respond to Trump wanting to make their shows illegal

Both late night show hosts made the same Jon Stewart joke.
By Sam Haysom  on 
A side-by-side image shows two men in suits standing on a talk show stage. The man on the left is wearing a cheap disguise.
Credit: YouTube/The Late Show/Jimmy Kimmel Live/Mashable composite

Donald Trump has a long list of enemies, and you'd better believe he hasn't forgotten about one of his oldest foes: all the late night show hosts who regularly draw attention to his nonsense.

In a recent Rolling Stone piece about what might happen if Trump wins the upcoming election, it was reported that the former president is looking for ways to go after the likes of Stephen Colbert and Jimmy Kimmel, for all the mean jokes they've been making about him.

"During his 2024 campaign, according to a source with direct knowledge, Trump has raised this topic again, venting about the need to punish late-night comedians for giving 'illegal' campaign contributions to the Democratic Party — in the form of jokes and on-air satire," reads the report.

Unsurprisingly, Colbert and Kimmel — who along with Saturday Night Live are named directly in the article — had something to say about it.

Mashable Top Stories
Stay connected with the hottest stories of the day and the latest entertainment news.
Sign up for Mashable's Top Stories newsletter
By signing up you agree to our Terms of Use and Privacy Policy.
Thanks for signing up!

"Finally, I made an enemies list! Obviously there's no guarantee I'll be arrested, but it's an honour just to be nominated. No doubt it'll all be decided this weekend in Los Angeles, when whoever wins the Emmy for best talk show will be sent to a camp," Colbert said during his Monday night monologue. "So to my old colleague Jon Stewart, I just want you to know I voted for you. Of course if Jon wins he's only incarcerated on Mondays."

Kimmel, meanwhile, made a very similar joke about the Daily Show host, who only presents on Monday nights.

"I'm glad it's funny to you! He wants to lock up the late night hosts?" said an outraged Kimmel as his audience laughed at the news on Monday. "How would this work for Jon Stewart, would he only go to jail on Mondays? There's a lot to figure out."

In the meantime it's debate night on Tuesday, so we can't image the jokes are going to be stopping anytime soon.

Mashable Image
Sam Haysom

Sam Haysom is the Deputy UK Editor for Mashable. He covers entertainment and online culture, and writes horror fiction in his spare time.


Recommended For You
Jimmy Kimmel gives his verdict on the Harris-Trump presidential debate
A man in a suit stands on a talk show stage.

Stephen Colbert breaks down the Harris-Trump presidential debate's big moments
A man in a suit stands on a talk show stage.

Stephen Colbert brutally mocks Trump's rambling speech style
A man in a suit and glasses stands on a talk show stage, gesturing with his arms wide.


Stephen Colbert brutally mocks Trump's running mate JD Vance
A man in a suit stands on a talk show stage.

More in Entertainment

Trending on Mashable
NYT Connections today: See hints and answers for September 19
A phone displaying the New York Times game 'Connections.'

Wordle today: Here's the answer hints for September 19
a phone displaying Wordle

NYT Strands hints, answers for September 19
A game being played on a smartphone.

NYT's The Mini crossword answers for September 19
Closeup view of crossword puzzle clues

'Daily Show' goes after Trump's new crypto scheme with a brutal parody ad
A man in a suit stands in front of a blank background, gesturing with his arms wide.
The biggest stories of the day delivered to your inbox.
This newsletter may contain advertising, deals, or affiliate links. Subscribing to a newsletter indicates your consent to our Terms of Use and Privacy Policy. You may unsubscribe from the newsletters at any time.
Thanks for signing up. See you at your inbox!