Late-night hosts Seth Meyers and Jimmy Kimmel tackled the latest political controversies, including Donald Trump's tax issues, Republican divisions, and the George Santos betting scandal.
Seth Meyers on Trump's Priorities
On Late Night, Seth Meyers highlighted the growing discontent within the Republican Party. Despite early indicators suggesting trouble for the GOP in the midterms, party leaders remain confident. Senator Ted Cruz claimed voters care more about supporting the war in Iran than inflation or gas prices. Meyers quipped, 'You don't think people care about high gas prices? Do you not have a dad?'
Trump's approval rating has hit a new low, even among his core base of white working-class men, leaving only 'Maha moms who love UFC and crypto.' Meyers noted Trump remains 'focused on the wrong stuff,' like the controversial 'slush fund for January 6 insurrectionists,' which was scrapped after a rare admission of defeat. However, Trump and his family still enjoy permanent immunity for tax crimes, which is 'especially insane considering what we already know' about him barely paying income tax. Reports suggest he may owe over $100 million in back taxes, but 'if he doesn't wanna do something, he just doesn't do it.' Meyers concluded that 'even Republicans disapprove of Trump's priorities,' which all revolve around 'enriching himself.'
Jimmy Kimmel on LA Mayoral Race and George Santos
On Jimmy Kimmel Live!, the host discussed the LA mayoral primaries, where Karen Bass will face 'former reality show villain' Spencer Pratt. Kimmel called it 'insane' and said, 'We should be very embarrassed.' He joked that Pratt should be 'DJ-ing the worst New Year's Eve party in Reno right now.' Pratt is reportedly filming a reality show about his campaign, so he 'definitely has his priorities in order.'
Kimmel then turned to George Santos, whose sentence was commuted by Trump but who may return to prison for alleged insider trading on the prediction market Kalshi. Santos told followers he would attend the State of the Union, causing a rise in bets, but he didn't go and profited from betting against himself. Kimmel said, 'We can bet on whether he's going to prison again,' adding, 'In his defence, lip-fillers are very expensive.'
Finally, Kimmel mocked Trump for bragging about passing his physical and cognitive tests, calling the latter 'a test to find out if grandpa needs someone to wipe him.' Trump also boasted about the size of the Lincoln Memorial reflecting pool, which he is having repainted despite it being the same size. Kimmel challenged, 'I want to see him swim the length of that pool or even just the width.'
