Jimmy Kimmel and Other Late-Night Hosts React to Trump’s Cabinet Picks: ‘Goblins and Weirdos’
The world of late-night comedy is buzzing again with humor aimed at the Trump administration.
This past Wednesday, Jimmy Kimmel, Stephen Colbert, and Seth Meyers had a field day poking fun at President-elect Donald Trump’s most recent Cabinet selections. Many of these choices, like former Rep. Matt Gaetz for attorney general — who is under investigation for sexual misconduct — and Fox News personality Pete Hegseth for Defense secretary, have stirred significant surprise and controversy.
“You won’t believe some of the people he wants to hire,” Kimmel remarked, expressing his disbelief. “It’s crazier than we ever expected.”
The comedian, who had previously been emotional after Trump’s election, humorously questioned the prospect of Hegseth taking on the Defense secretary role.
“Nothing says ‘fear’ like a morning talk-show host,” he quipped sarcastically. “Just ask Regis (Philbin) about his pivotal role during the Cuban Missile Crisis.”
Kimmel also joked about Tulsi Gabbard’s potential role as director of national intelligence, suggesting it might interfere with her alleged ties to Russian intelligence. Yet, he believes these bizarre choices seem almost “normal” next to Trump’s nomination of Gaetz as attorney general.
“Usually, if someone is under investigation for sex trafficking minors, it would hurt their career prospects, but in Trump’s administration, that’s just another way to enhance your resume,” he joked.
Stephen Colbert ‘shocked’ by Matt Gaetz’s AG Selection, Calls Hegseth’s Nomination ‘Stupefying’
Colbert stated that Trump’s second term already seems “much worse” before it even begins, especially with the alarming prospect of Gaetz as attorney general.
“I thought Trump would fulfill my darkest fears, but it turns out, my imagination fell short. There’s not enough botox in the world to express the depth of my shock — and Matt Gaetz has probably used it all!”
Colbert was also critical of Gabbard’s nominee role, stating that when he thinks of her, “intelligence” is the last term that comes to mind.
Before these nominations, Colbert anticipated leading with the “outrageous” news of Hegseth being nominated for Defense secretary.
Referring to Hegseth’s role on Fox & Friends Weekend, he joked, “If we enter battle during the week, he’ll be completely unprepared!”
Seth Meyers Critiques Trump’s Cabinet of ‘Goblins and Weirdos’
Meanwhile, Seth Meyers took aim at what he called Trump’s “cabinet of crazies,” labeling it a group of “goblins and weirdos.”
Meyers particularly criticized the choice of Hegseth as Defense secretary, calling it an “insane decision” for someone with “absolutely no governmental experience.”
Aside from his work at Fox, Hegseth is also a veteran who served in Iraq and Afghanistan.
Meyers went on to humorously recommend adding various fictional characters to the administration as additional absurd nominees, including Lionel Hutz from “The Simpsons” for attorney general and personalities from “Cash Cab.”
Ben Bailey has been appointed as the Secretary of Transportation.
Taking a more serious approach, the “Late Night” host remarked, “What is evident from these selections is that Trump will operate without limitations during his second term. He is appointing celebrities and wealthy individuals to significant roles in the government.”
All major late-night hosts shared their immediate thoughts following Trump’s election win last Wednesday. Kimmel noted that his children were “very upset” about the outcome.
Colbert expressed that it was “really hard to spot a positive angle,” while Meyers informed his viewers, “We are about to enter a truly unfamiliar time.”