When Donald Trump decided to demonstrate inflation using Tic Tacs at a rally, he perhaps unwittingly set himself up for ridicule on late-night television. At a campaign event in North Carolina, he dramatically pulled out two contrasting Tic Tac containers—a larger one and one of the miniatures—to make his point.
On "The Tonight Show," Jimmy Fallon seized the opportunity to poke fun at Trump's unusual choice of props. He opened with, “Then Trump said it’s very sad China is spying on us through Tic Tac, we’ve got to ban Tic Tac,” effectively lampooning the absurdity of the moment.
Trump was quite literal during his speech, shaking both boxes of candy and exclaiming, “This is inflation.” According to Fallon, it was clear the former president was trying to simplify complex economic issues with the tiny mints, leading to humorous commentary.
Fallon couldn’t miss the chance to craft jokes from Trump’s presentation, illustrating the difference between the two Tic Tac sizes to suggest Trump’s dwindling support. “This is where he was,” he quipped, holding up the larger box, “and this is where he’s at,” showcasing the miniature one.
The hosts of "The Daily Show" also took their swing at Trump’s attempt to make his economic point. Desi Lydic emphasized how comical it was to use breath mint containers to represent inflation, remarking, “That is not an example of inflation, that's just two different sizes of breath mints.”
There was no shortage of visual gags surrounding the concept of using Tic Tacs for such serious affairs. While presenting the speech, Trump oscillated between personal anecdotes about Biden and occasionally slipped minor references to his administration's achievements.
Fallon highlighted the disparity between the gravitas of economic discussions and the lightheartedness of candy packaging. His bit on the matter encapsulated how the late-night scene treats political discourse, often blending humor with critique.
Many viewers took to social media to express their amusement at the absurdity of Trump’s analogy. Comments on platforms were filled with laughter and disbelief at the notion of Tic Tacs being used to explain inflation.
Fallon, whose comedic style relies on quick wit and observation, made sure the viewers were entertained. He also noted how recent reports indicated Trump's popularity among the white working class seems to be slipping, adding more layers to his jokes.
By utilizing candy as metaphors for inflation, Trump, intentionally or not, has placed himself firmly within the crosshairs of comedy routines. The mixing of humor with political commentary showcases the unique environment of late-night television today.
Despite the political divide, these moments allow both sides to share laughs, creating common ground. They remind audiences to not take everything too seriously—even when the subject is as complex as inflation.
Fallon wrapped up his segment by inviting audiences to reflect on the broader issue of representation and learning from such fodder for humor. By centering the conversation around simple objects, the discussion becomes accessible, illustrating just how strange political rhetoric can be.
After all, when it gets confusing, why not throw some Tic Tacs at it?
