Late-night talk shows have become the go-to space for sharp political commentary, especially when it involves Donald Trump. Following Trump's recent Pennsylvania Town Hall event, not one but two prominent late-night stars, Jimmy Kimmel and Stephen Colbert, decided to unload their humorous critiques of the former president’s antics during the event.
The town hall, which took place at the Greater Philadelphia Expo Center, struggled with some chaos, including medical emergencies where audience members fainted. The event, moderated by South Dakota Governor Kristi L. Noem, was intended as a question-and-answer session, but it quickly turned more like a mixtape listening party, complete with Trump DJing his own soundtrack.
During the event, Trump mixed his usual political musings with music, playing tracks like Schubert's 'Ave Maria' and the Village People’s 'YMCA,' which surprised many attendees. Kimmel described it as Trump trying to address economic topics, including grocery prices, but diverting to karaoke spins instead. He humorously remarked, "Why remain onstage for 39 minutes? Just pretend it was one of Don Junior’s piano recitals and go home.”
Kimmel's jabs continued as he poked fun at the 'love fest' touted by Trump’s team, which claimed the event was wildly successful and engaging. "He played music and kind of did this baby toddler jumping dance for 39 minutes,” Kimmel quipped, adding, “He just stood there swaying like a manatee tangled in seaweed.” This colorful depiction certainly painted the picture of a less-than-serious political discourse.
Colbert also joined the fun, critiquing the spectacle by saying, "You should not vote for someone because they dance to 'Y.M.C.A.' But also, I’m not sure you’d call this dancing.” He likened Trump’s moves to bad dance practices and cheekily suggested future alternatives for the former president such as auditioning for shows like 'Swaying With the Stars.'
At the town hall, Trump claimed to be the "father of IVF,” which Kimmel noted had been around since 1978. Kimmel pushed back, stating, “This guy won’t even admit he’s the father of Eric—he’s the father of IVF.” Such comments underscored the evening's comedic air and provided sharp commentary on Trump's perceived antics.
Not to be outdone, Colbert continued to layer humor upon humor, remarking, "Those are some bad moves, baby. If this president thing doesn’t work out, he ought to think about being a contestant on 'So You Think You Can Tilt.'" He marveled at how Trump seemed oblivious to how his antics might come across as unseemly amid serious discussions about the important issues affecting Americans.
The late-night response to the Pennsylvania Town Hall firmly highlighted the duality of Trump's public persona: one part entertainer and one part politician. Nevertheless, what often takes center stage is the idea of spectacle over substance—something both Kimmel and Colbert feel remains problematic for America’s political climate as the election draws nearer.
Trump’s Town Hall event emphasized criticism around the repetitive cycles of entertainment woven within modern politics. Many media critics and citizens alike, including the late-night hosts, are left questioning how Americans should respond to these blurring lines. Is it appropriate to laugh when the stakes feel so incredibly high? Are Trump's playful, musical interludes diverting attention from serious policy discussion about inflation, healthcare, and women's rights?
Colbert's reminder of the inherent absurdity of these moments competes with Kimmel’s cutting remarks about the political validity being synthesized alongside fun and games. Late-night television serves as cultural commentary reflecting societal concerns, allowing audiences to digest the political circus with some humor, yet they also leave us grappling with the reality of who and what we are choosing as leaders.
The political theater highlighted through Kimmel and Colbert’s sketches draws attention to the inherent absurdity and entertainment value present within Trump's campaign strategy. Trump’s quest for approval appears more focused on entertainment than effective leadership—something his late-night critics are eager to amplify, using both humor and poignant critique.
Reflecting on their critiques, it becomes apparent these late-night hosts are not simply comedians but deliverers of a message, holding politicians—including Trump—to account. By mocking the seeming lack of substance at such political events, Kimmel and Colbert encourage viewers to think critically about their own political perspectives amid the humor. The events surrounding the town hall not only showcased Trump's formidable stage presence but also ignited discussions between viewers about serious topics masked with humor and entertainment—a complex blend often seen within the political arena today.
