Stephen Colbert explains why Trump is wrong that America is 'full'
President Trump is "upset with Homeland Security, but his real problem, as usual, is with the law," Stephen Colbert said on Monday's Late Show. Legally, anyone facing persecution can seek asylum at the U.S. border. "But here's the thing: The more Trump complains about illegal immigrants, the worse the problem gets," he said. "Some experts say migrants are choosing to make the crossing now because they fear that Trump's tough policies will make it harder to get across later."
Frustrated that his policies aren't working, Trump tweeted out a threat and warning on Sunday night, claiming "Our Country is FULL!" Colbert read the tweets, and he disagreed. "First off, I don't think our country is full — I mean, did you see his inauguration crowd?" he joked. "Look at all that empty space — you could fit, like, three Mexicos in there." In a speech to the Republican Jewish Coalition on Saturday, "Trump explained why he wants to turn away desperate migrants fleeing for their lives," Colbert said, playing part of the speech. "Again, that's the Republican Jewish Coalition applauding turning away immigrants fleeing persecution. #AlwaysForget."
"Trump is saying this 'full' thing over and over again," he said. "It's the new 'Lock her up!' or 'Build the wall' — you know eventually it's going to end up as a call-and-response." To demonstrate, Colbert went with an Exodus theme and got some help from the band. 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.
-
'There are benefits, but not acknowledging them would tell only half of the story'
Instant Opinion Opinion, comment and editorials of the day
By Justin Klawans, The Week US Published
-
What Trump's win could mean for Big Tech
Talking Points The tech industry is bracing itself for Trump's second administration
By Theara Coleman, The Week US Published
-
Europe roiled by attacks on Israeli soccer fans
Speed Read Israeli fans supporting the Maccabi Tel Aviv team clashed with pro-Palestinian protesters in 'antisemitic attacks,' Dutch authorities said
By Peter Weber, The Week US 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