Stephen Colbert and Jimmy Kimmel find 1 small step between 'drunk with power' Trump and 'a banana republic'


"Today was the New Hampshire primary, so after a year of campaigning, we only have nine months to go," Stephen Colbert sighed on Tuesday's Late Show. "On the eve of the Democratic primary, President Trump held a rally in Manchester, New Hampshire, because he couldn't stand the idea of other people getting any attention." Among other odd remarks, "Trump took time to tell the people of nearby Concord how much he loves Concord," only he gushed about the Concord in neighboring Massachusetts, and he delivered a "weird" and "creepy" introduction for his daughter Ivanka.
"You know, sometimes you feel like Donald Trump is corrupting all of the democratic institutions that we hold dear," Colbert said. "Well, I've got some good news for you: You're not crazy to feel that way." The latest case involves Trump crony Roger Stone. The seven felonies for which Stone was convicted last year carry a maximum sentence of 50 years, but prosecutors recommended 7-9 years, and "even that lighter sentence sit well with Stone's old pal Donald Trump," who tweeted it was a "miscarriage of justice!" he said "Then by some impossible coincidence — how could it be? — it was then announced that the Justice Department will take the extraordinary step of lowering the recommended prison time for Roger Stone."
"So Donald Trump and his attorney general are using the Justice Department to go easy on his cronies," Colbert said. "The only difference between this and a banana republic is that Trump does not eat fruit." Later, "Trump insisted he didn't make any special requests," he said but "in response to Trump's carriage of misjustice, all four of Roger Stone's prosecutors have resigned."
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.
"Trump is absolutely drunk with power right now," Jimmy Kimmel agreed at Kimmel Live. The Justice Department's sudden decision to slash their sentence request for Stone "is appalling, even by Trump's standards," he added. "Trump tweets, all of a sudden his attorney general's like, 'Hey, you know what? Instead of seven to nine years, why don't we make that no years? Wouldn't that be better?' All four federal prosecutors today who worked on this case resigned in protest," but Trump is also getting away with blatant retaliation against people who obeyed lawful subpoenas and testified in his impeachment hearings, Kimmel noted. He spoke with sacked EU Ambassador Gordon Sondland (Jeff Ross) in a secure, disclosed location. Watch below. Peter Weber
Create an account with the same email registered to your subscription to unlock access.
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.
-
Critics’ choice: Restaurants worthy of their buzz
feature A fun bistro, a reservation worth the wait, and a modern twist on Mexican dishes
By The Week US Published
-
Film reviews: Snow White, Death of a Unicorn, and The Alto Knights
Feature A makeover for Disney’s first animated feature, greedy humans earn nature’s wrath, and a feud between crime bosses rattles the mob
By The Week US Published
-
Bombs or talks: What’s next in the US-Iran showdown?
Talking Points US gives Tehran a two-month deadline to deal
By Joel Mathis, The Week US Published
-
New Mexico to investigate death of Gene Hackman, wife
speed read The Oscar-winning actor and his wife Betsy Arakawa were found dead in their home with no signs of foul play
By Peter Weber, The Week US Published
-
Giant schnauzer wins top prize at Westminster show
Speed Read Monty won best in show at the 149th Westminster Kennel Club dog show
By Peter Weber, The Week US Published
-
Beyoncé, Kendrick Lamar take top Grammys
Speed Read Beyoncé took home album of the year for 'Cowboy Carter' and Kendrick Lamar's diss track 'Not Like Us' won five awards
By Peter Weber, The Week US Published
-
The Louvre is giving 'Mona Lisa' her own room
Speed Read The world's most-visited art museum is getting a major renovation
By Peter Weber, The Week US Published
-
Honda and Nissan in merger talks
Speed Read The companies are currently Japan's second and third-biggest automakers, respectively
By Peter Weber, The Week US Published
-
Taylor Swift wraps up record-shattering Eras tour
Speed Read The pop star finally ended her long-running tour in Vancouver, Canada
By Peter Weber, The Week US Published
-
Drake claims illegal boosting, defamation
Speed Read The rapper accused Universal Music of boosting Kendrick Lamar's diss track and said UMG allowed him to be falsely accused of pedophilia
By Rafi Schwartz, The Week US Published
-
'Wicked' and 'Gladiator II' ignite holiday box office
Speed Read The combination of the two movies revitalized a struggling box office
By Peter Weber, The Week US Published