In a shocking turn of events, former President Donald Trump has emerged victorious in the 2024 presidential election, defeating incumbent Vice President Kamala Harris in a closely watched and fiercely contested race. The news has sent shockwaves through the political landscape, with late-night comedy hosts struggling to come to terms with the stunning result.
Speaking on his show, Jimmy Kimmel fought back tears as he described the election outcome as “a terrible night” for a multitude of causes close to the hearts of his viewers. “It was a terrible night for women, for children, for the hundreds of thousands of hardworking immigrants who make this country go—for healthcare, for our climate, for science, for journalism, for justice, and for free speech,” Kimmel lamented. He proceeded to enumerate numerous other groups and institutions that he believed had suffered a setback due to Trump’s victory.
Stephen Colbert, on CBS, offered a similarly pessimistic assessment, stating to his audience, “It’s quite challenging to find any positive aspects in this situation.” Colbert forecasted that a monstrous child, surrounded by cowards and grifters, would rule the country for the next four years, painting a bleak picture. However, he attempted to find a positive aspect, joking that at least with a second Trump term, “we know what’s coming.”
On NBC, Seth Meyers took a more resigned tone, acknowledging that “half the country thinks he’s a good person, or they don’t care that he’s not because they think he’s a good president.” Meyers cautioned that the country was on the verge of entering uncharted territory, yet he expressed assurance that the fight for justice continues beyond a single election.
Even Jimmy Fallon, known for his lighthearted approach, struck a somber note, quipping that “America decided to get back with a crazy ex.” Fallon did manage to inject some humor into the proceedings, joking that, “No matter who you voted for, I think all Americans can agree, it’s going to be a rough Thanksgiving.”
The late-night hosts’ despondent reactions stand in stark contrast to the jubilation expressed by Trump’s supporters. Greg Gutfeld, a prominent conservative commentator, celebrated the former president’s comeback, noting that “Trump returning to the White House is a huge historic comeback for someone who literally never went away.” Gutfeld also took aim at the Democrats, asserting that they “can’t give their usual excuses, with more ‘but, but, buts’ than a Kardashian family reunion.”
Just four years after losing his bid for a second term, Trump’s victory represents a remarkable political resurrection. Many had written off the former reality TV star’s political aspirations, but his loyal base of supporters rallied behind him once again, propelling him back into the Oval Office.
In the wake of the election, the late-night hosts have found themselves in the unenviable position of having to process and make sense of a result that has left them reeling. Their emotional responses underscore the deep divisions that continue to plague the nation, with the comedians seemingly struggling to reconcile their own personal views and values with the will of the American electorate.
As the country braces for another Trump presidency, the late-night comedy landscape promises to be a fascinating battleground, with the hosts undoubtedly using their platforms to voice their concerns and fears about the direction of the nation. Whether their efforts to provide solace and perspective to their audiences will resonate remains to be seen, but one thing is certain: the next four years are poised to be anything but dull.