Late-night hosts assessed Donald Trump's authoritarian tendencies following his administration's refusal to comply with a Supreme Court order to return a wrongfully deported man from a prison in El Salvador.
Jon Stewart
Jon Stewart, on The Daily Show, criticized the Trump administration for the deportation of Kilmar Abrego Garcia, a Maryland legal resident wrongly sent to El Salvador due to "administrative error." Stewart highlighted Trump's refusal to return Garcia despite the court order, with Trump and the Salvadorian president, Nayib Bukele, stating that Bukele lacked the authority to return Garcia.
Stewart commented on Trump's apparent indifference to the situation, contrasting it with the concern of others. He also noted Trump's response to questions about Garcia, characterizing it as dismissive and evasive.
Stewart further criticized Trump's actions as indicative of authoritarian tendencies, citing examples such as attacks on the free press, actions against individuals who questioned the 2020 election, and the administration's attempts to exert influence over law firms and universities. He drew parallels to other authoritarian leaders globally.
Stewart also questioned the veracity of Trump's reported excellent physical and cognitive health assessments, highlighting the perceived incongruity between the assessments and public perception.
Stewart concluded by summarizing the various actions and characteristics that suggested growing authoritarian tendencies within the administration.
Stephen Colbert
Stephen Colbert, on The Late Show, commented on the White House release of Trump's physical examination results, highlighting the doctor's report which emphasized Trump's active lifestyle and frequent golf victories as contributing factors to his well-being.
Colbert satirized the report, contrasting Trump's health with the struggles of others and questioning the necessity of consulting with fourteen specialists.
Colbert also referenced Trump's medical history, including allergies, COVID-19, and rosacea, with a humorous remark about the latter.
Jimmy Kimmel
Jimmy Kimmel, on his show, also mocked Trump's reported excellent health, referencing Trump's lifestyle choices and golf as contributing factors.
Kimmel also joked about Trump's reported success on a cognitive test, questioning the nature of the test and Trump's performance.
