In a bold and unfiltered finale, Stephen Colbert took the stage for his last live episode of The Late Show, delivering a comedic takedown of President Donald Trump’s State of the Union address that left no stone unturned. But here’s where it gets controversial: Colbert didn’t hold back, joking that he’d taken an edible before the speech, quipping, ‘When they go low, we get high’—a playful twist on Michelle Obama’s famous line. Was it a step too far, or exactly what the moment needed? You decide.
The episode kicked off with a hilarious Wicked-inspired parody, setting the tone for a night of sharp wit and unapologetic humor. Colbert’s giddiness was palpable as he dove into Trump’s record-breaking 105-minute speech, which delayed his show by nearly 30 minutes. ‘It was incredibly long,’ Colbert noted, jokingly suggesting Senator Jon Ossoff had transformed into Jon Voight by the end of the night. And this is the part most people miss: Colbert’s ability to find humor in the absurdity of politics is what makes him a master of late-night TV.
He didn’t stop there. Colbert skewered the speech’s official theme, ‘American at 250: Strong, Prosperous, and Respected,’ calling it out as a classic case of overcompensation. ‘If you have to say you’re strong, prosperous, and respected, it kind of feels like you’re not,’ he quipped, comparing it to a cringe-worthy birthday invite. ‘Single, happy, and absolutely loving menopause. Is it hot in here? It’s hot in here. Let’s punch a wall,’ he added, leaving the audience in stitches.
Controversial take alert: Colbert didn’t shy away from Trump’s low approval ratings (36%) or his self-congratulatory tone, mocking the Trump Account for Kids and the president’s bizarre desire to award himself the Congressional Medal of Freedom. ‘Throughout his speech, Trump showed remarkable flexibility for a man his age—to toot his own horn,’ Colbert joked. But here’s the real question: Did Trump’s speech do anything to win back disillusioned voters, or did it just double down on division? Colbert’s take was clear: ‘It was a dark speech filled with divisive lies, unlikely to sway anyone who’s grown tired of the chaos.’
Later in the show, former CBS News anchor John Dickerson joined Colbert, adding a layer of journalistic insight to the comedic critique. But the night belonged to Colbert, who closed out his final live episode with a reminder of why his voice has been so vital in late-night TV. Now, we want to hear from you: Did Colbert’s jokes go too far, or did they hit just the right note? And what did you think of Trump’s speech—a bold vision or more of the same? Let the debate begin!
