Stephen Colbert wonders if Trump is getting tired of losing on the shutdown fight
"It's now Day 34 of the government shutdown, which we've entitled, 'No Country Cuz Old Men,'" Stephen Colbert said on Thursday's Late Show, "and it doesn't look like it's going to end anytime soon" after the Senate rejected two rival bills to reopen the government. "But even though both bills lost, the biggest loser here is the president, because the Democratic bill got more votes than [President] Trump's," Colbert said. "The Democrats won the losing! This is a two-day losing streak for Donald Trump," he added, noting that on Wednesday night "he finally tweeted a white flag" in his State of the Union fight with House Speaker Nancy Pelosi (D-N.Y.).
"Pelosi dominated him," Colbert said. "We finally got what we were promised in 2016: A woman declaring victory over Donald Trump." Trump may be a big loser here, but he isn't the only loser, he added, noting some of the "dire" consequences of 800,000 federal workers not getting paid, including a terrifying statement from the air traffic controllers' union. "That is dangerous," he deadpanned. "You don't want burned-out air traffic controllers waiting tables! You could end up with onion rings instead of fries."
Not everyone seems all that worried about the plight of the unpaid federal workers, though, Colbert said, showing Commerce Secretary Wilbur Ross shrugging in confusion. "Fun fact: He's worth $2.9 billion," he said. "That's one point for you, atheists." And Colbert only got a tiny bit of joy out of Jared Kushner eating a little slice of humble pie on the shutdown, even if it was served by Trump. Watch below. Peter Weber
Subscribe to The Week
Escape your echo chamber. Get the facts behind the news, plus analysis from multiple perspectives.
Sign up for The Week's Free Newsletters
From our morning news briefing to a weekly Good News Newsletter, get the best of The Week delivered directly to your inbox.
From our morning news briefing to a weekly Good News Newsletter, get the best of The Week delivered directly to your inbox.
Sign up for Today's Best Articles in your inbox
A free daily email with the biggest news stories of the day – and the best features from TheWeek.com
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.
-
Can 'slow shopping' help you spend less this holiday season?
The explainer You may feel pressured to act fast in order to get the best deals — but this can lead to superfluous spending
By Becca Stanek, The Week US Published
-
Crossword: November 15, 2024
The Week's daily crossword puzzle
By The Week Staff Published
-
Sudoku medium: November 15, 2024
The Week's daily medium sudoku puzzle
By The Week Staff Published
-
Quincy Jones, music icon, is dead at 91
Speed Read The legendary producer is perhaps best known as the architect behind Michael Jackson's 'Thriller'
By Peter Weber, The Week US Published
-
OJ Simpson, star athlete tried for murder, dead at 76
Speed Read The former football hero and murder suspect lost his battle with cancer
By Rafi Schwartz, The Week US Published
-
Momofuku's 'Chili Crunch' trademark uproar
Speed Read The company's attempt to own the sole rights has prompted backlash
By Rafi Schwartz, The Week US Published
-
Kevin Hart awarded Mark Twain Prize
Speed Read He is the 25th recipient of the prestigious comedy prize
By Peter Weber, The Week US Published
-
Is Downton Abbey set to return for a final film?
Speed Read Imelda Staunton reveals that a third movie may be in the pipeline
By Adrienne Wyper, The Week UK Published
-
'Oppenheimer' sweeps Oscars with 7 wins
speed read The film won best picture, best director (Christopher Nolan) and best actor (Cillian Murphy)
By Peter Weber, The Week US Published
-
'Rust' armorer convicted of manslaughter
speed read The film's cinematographer Halyna Hutchins was shot and killed by actor Alec Baldwin during rehearsal
By Peter Weber, The Week US Published
-
The Beatles are getting 4 intersecting biopics
Speed Read Director Sam Mendes is making four separate movies, each told from the perspective of one band member
By Peter Weber, The Week US Published