Stephen Colbert Balks at Trump’s Board of Peace

NYT Homepage

by Trish Bendix

February 20, 2026

AI-Generated Deep Dive Summary

Stephen Colbert humorously critiqued President Trump’s newly established Board of Peace during his Late Show monologue. He likened the group to the United Nations but noted a key difference: instead of passing binding resolutions, members exchange cash—specifically, $1 billion for a permanent seat—and Donald Trump remains chairman for life. Colbert also joked about the board’s membership, which includes countries like Azerbaijan, Bahrain, Belarus, Egypt, and Saudi Arabia, quipping that it’s “the Epcot of places Goofy was jailed without a trial.” The Board of Peace, held at the renamed Donald J. Trump Institute of Peace in Washington, has faced skepticism from key allies but has garnered support from nations often associated with authoritarian regimes or human rights concerns. Colbert highlighted the absurdity of renaming buildings after Trump and compared the event to a “classic dribble-cup sundown ramble fest,” suggesting that Trump’s approach to peace is more about cash than diplomacy. Colbert’s remarks also touched on other topics, including Prince Andrew’s arrest in the U.K. following Epstein-related allegations. He noted the legal distinction between British and American justice systems, humorously implying that Trump’s “misconduct in public office” aligns with his own campaign slogans. Additionally, he shared lighthearted anecdotes about Melissa McCarthy’s visit to the show, showcasing his ability to blend serious commentary with entertainment. Overall, Colbert’s satire reflects broader critiques of Trump’s administration and its approach to international relations. By using humor to highlight the contradictions and absurdities of Trump

Verticals

newsgeneral

Originally published on NYT Homepage on 2/20/2026