Stephen Colbert cringes at Trump's Prayer Breakfast insult, laughs at Schwarzenegger's comeback burn

Stephen Colbert puts Donald Trump "on notice"
(Image credit: Late Show)

You probably already know that President Trump tried out a sick burn on actor Arnold Schwarzenegger at Thursday morning's National Prayer Breakfast, but Stephen Colbert wants to make sure you saw Arnold's comeback. Colbert started at the beginning: "The National Prayer Breakfast has been around since Eisenhower, right? It's a solemn occasion, and it's always an opportunity for presidents to bring people of all faiths together and solemnly share what is most sacred to them." He played the clip and reacted appropriately.

"You heard that correctly — your ears did not deceive you," Colbert said. "The president used the National Prayer Breakfast to insult Arnold Schwarzenegger. I hear tomorrow he's going to roast Rosie O'Donnell at the Tomb of the Unknown Soldier." But less than an hour later, Arnold hit back. Bandleader Jon Batiste gasped at the short retort, and Colbert snapped: "Oh, damn! Is this the War of 1812? 'Cause the White House just got burnt."

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Peter Weber, The Week US

Peter has worked as a news and culture writer and editor at The Week since the site's launch in 2008. He covers politics, world affairs, religion and cultural currents. His journalism career began as a copy editor at a financial newswire and has included editorial positions at The New York Times Magazine, Facts on File, and Oregon State University.