Jimmy Kimmel, Stephen Colbert Respond to Trump’s State of the Union: ‘Nut Job Wannabe King’

Rolling Stone

by Emily Zemler

February 25, 2026

AI-Generated Deep Dive Summary

Late-night comedy hosts Jimmy Kimmel and Stephen Colbert delivered sharp, critical takes on Donald Trump’s recent State of the Union address during their respective shows. The President’s two-and-a-half-hour speech, which set a new record for the longest address in Congress history, drew widespread ridicule from comedians. Kimmel mocked Trump’s claims about immigration policies, calling the speech reminiscent of a Christmas message from the Grinch and highlighting its focus on fear-mongering rather than constructive leadership. He also criticized Trump’s policies, including cuts to cancer research funding and attacks on voting rights, while likening him to a "nut job wannabe king." On *The Late Show*, Colbert poked fun at the speech’s self-proclaimed theme of prosperity and respect, joking about Trump’s appearance and夸耀的风格. The State of the Union address, which Trump delivered to Congress on Tuesday night, was filled with boastful claims and lacked concrete achievements. Kimmel pointed out that Trump bragged about deporting millions of people while leaving the door open for his next wife, a jab at Trump’s personal life and immigration policies. Colbert also chimed in, suggesting that Trump’s speech was so over-the-top that it felt like he had "dropped an edible" before strapping in to watch. Both comedians used humor to dissect what they viewed as the emptiness of the address, which Kimmel called a "conniption fit" rather than a coherent speech. The cultural significance of these late-night responses lies in their ability to reflect public sentiment and provide commentary on political events through satire. Kimmel’s and Colbert’s takes resonate with audiences seeking humor in an often-difficult political climate. By using comedy, they hold power to account while keeping the conversation accessible and engaging. The way Trump’s speech was handled by late-night hosts highlights the role of entertainment media in shaping public perception of politics—a dynamic that continues to evolve but remains a key part of cultural discourse. The State of the Union address has become

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Originally published on Rolling Stone on 2/25/2026