Late-night hosts have highlighted US President Donald Trump’s frosty reception in the UK, his controversial business dealings with the UAE, and the MAGA movement’s fearmongering about the “radical left”. Jimmy Kimmel noted on his show that Trump’s $15bn defamation suit against the New York Times was absurd, joking that the figure seemed “made up” and pointing out the amusing list of Trump’s media appearances, including WrestleMania V and Miss America pageants. Kimmel also critiqued MAGA figures who blamed left-wing extremists for violence, noting official reports show far-right groups pose the greater threat.
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On the Late Show, Stephen Colbert marked the programme’s first Emmy win for outstanding variety talk series, celebrating the writers, crew and audience. He contrasted this with Trump’s state visit to the UK, observing that the president remained largely behind closed doors at Windsor Castle, far from planned protests, while a giant banner of Trump and Jeffrey Epstein appeared on the castle lawn. Colbert mocked the pomp of the visit, likening Trump to Cinderella attempting to fit a glass slipper.
Seth Meyers, on Late Night, recapped an investigation by the New York Times into Trump family cryptocurrency deals with the UAE, which allegedly granted access to advanced AI chips. Meyers joked about the potential overlap of the deals between Trump Sr. and Trump Jr., noting the obvious appearance of corruption. He also ridiculed Trump for focusing on the White House ballroom rather than pressing national concerns, and mocked his threats to Australian journalists, highlighting the absurdity of the situation.
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Meyers emphasised that, despite the apparent corruption and erosion of rights, Trump’s approval rating remains at a historic low. He noted that most Americans are opposed to these actions and are “counting down the days until something changes”. Collectively, the late-night commentary underscored both the humorous and alarming aspects of Trump’s actions and his UK visit, blending satire with critical scrutiny of ongoing political and business controversies.
