Jimmy Kimmel and Stephen Colbert just unleashed a savage, back-to-back roast on live TV—exposing contradictions, mocking “revisionist history,” and dropping punchlines that had the studio erupting in laughter. Phones flew, aides panicked, and insiders say the former president lost it behind the scenes.
From January 6 jokes to Venezuela jabs, the hits kept coming. But what really sent Trump spiraling?
The full explosive moment, insider chaos at Mar-a-Lago, and why this could be the roast of the year
Late-night television delivered one of its most explosive moments in early 2026 when Jimmy Kimmel and Stephen Colbert teamed up for a blistering, coordinated takedown of Donald Trump during their respective monologues. The segment unfolded amid heightened political tensions, with Trump facing scrutiny over his administration’s actions, including immigration policies, foreign interventions, and domestic controversies. What began as standard political satire quickly escalated into a viral sensation, sparking reactions from viewers, media, and the former president himself.
The night started on Jimmy Kimmel Live!, where Kimmel opened with sharp commentary on Trump’s handling of the January 6 anniversary and broader policy moves. Kimmel mocked what he called Trump’s “revisionist history,” highlighting efforts to downplay the Capitol events as “peaceful protests.” He quipped about Trump’s claim of a “free and fair election” loss, turning it into a biting critique of ongoing narratives. The monologue then shifted to Venezuela, where Kimmel ridiculed Trump’s involvement in the opposition leader María Corina Machado’s Nobel Peace Prize situation. “If giving him an award is the only way to get him to do anything, maybe I should donate one of my trophies—if he pulls ICE out of Minneapolis,” Kimmel joked, referencing immigration enforcement controversies.
Across the dial on The Late Show with Stephen Colbert, the host picked up the thread seamlessly. Colbert accused Trump of “invading Minnesota” with federal agents, exaggerating the deployment as a dramatic overreach. He lampooned Trump’s rhetoric, imitating his style: “Fear not, great people of Minnesota, the day of reckoning and retribution is coming!” The audience erupted as Colbert shifted tones mockingly from reassurance to apocalyptic threats. Colbert also addressed Venezuela, questioning Trump’s ability to “run two countries at once” and comparing it to a failed business merger.
The combined impact was immediate. Social media exploded with clips of the monologues, hashtags like #LateNightTakedown trending as viewers shared reactions ranging from laughter to outrage. The studio audiences fed off the energy, with applause and cheers drowning out transitions. Producers reportedly scrambled to keep the shows on schedule as the segments ran longer than planned, fueled by the hosts’ improvised jabs.
Behind the scenes at Mar-a-Lago, the reaction was far less celebratory. Insiders described a scene of panic: Trump allegedly erupted in frustration upon seeing the broadcasts, reportedly throwing his phone and demanding aides respond immediately. Sources close to the former president claimed he placed urgent calls, venting about “biased” coverage and vowing retaliation against the networks. The meltdown allegedly involved aides scrambling to draft statements and counter-narratives, with some describing the atmosphere as “tense and chaotic.” Trump has long criticized late-night hosts, previously calling for cancellations and labeling them “talentless,” but this joint assault reportedly struck a deeper nerve.
The takedown highlighted ongoing tensions between Trump and late-night comedy. Kimmel and Colbert have been vocal critics throughout his political career, with Kimmel facing brief suspension in 2025 over controversial remarks and Colbert’s show ending in May 2026 amid financial pressures. Trump celebrated Colbert’s cancellation and predicted Kimmel would follow, but both hosts continued their sharp commentary. The January monologues served as a reminder of their influence, reaching millions and shaping public discourse on key issues.
Critics of the hosts argued the satire crossed into unfair territory, while supporters praised it as necessary accountability. The segment underscored late-night TV’s role in political commentary, blending humor with critique in an era of polarized media. As clips circulated online, the moment became a cultural flashpoint, amplifying discussions about free speech, media bias, and the power of comedy in challenging power.
For Kimmel and Colbert, the night reinforced their reputations as fearless satirists. For Trump, it fueled another round of grievances, with Truth Social posts railing against “fake news” and “unfunny losers.” The episode proved that even in 2026, late-night monologues retain the power to provoke, entertain, and unsettle—turning routine broadcasts into must-watch events that echo far beyond the studio lights.
