Late-night show hosts on Wednesday night expressed their reactions to President-elect Donald Trump’s victory over Vice President Kamala Harris, showcasing a mix of sarcasm, frustration, and humor on air. Jimmy Kimmel, Seth Meyers, Stephen Colbert, and Jimmy Fallon each put their own spin on the election outcome.
Jimmy Kimmel opened his show with a forced smile, remarking that it was “the worst Taco Tuesday of my life.” Growing serious, he lamented that it was a tough night for many, including women and immigrants, and claimed that even Trump’s supporters would feel the consequences. He added some sharp humor, suggesting the win was a victory for figures like Putin and Silicon Valley elites.
Seth Meyers opened his NBC show with sarcasm, commenting that it felt like Christmas—only, instead of gifts, “Santa” had left something unpleasant. Meyers sarcastically remarked that he never thought of Trump as a “good person,” expressing shock that many Americans still do. He acknowledged Trump’s popularity with a mix of exasperation and dry humor.
On CBS, Stephen Colbert began his show by acknowledging viewers’ likely disappointment and inviting them to stay connected with others during hard times. Reflecting on the difficult paths many entertainers have taken, he suggested that they are well-prepared for adversity. Colbert then transitioned into a mock news segment on global reactions to Trump’s win.
Jimmy Fallon, taking a lighter tone on NBC, joked that America had “reconnected with a crazy ex” by re-electing Trump. Fallon kept his humor flowing with one-liners, suggesting Democrats might be ready to relocate to Mars. His comedic tone hinted at his own dismay while keeping the mood playful.
The late-night reactions revealed a shared frustration among the hosts, blending humor with their personal takes on the shock and dismay of Trump’s victory.