In his signature blend of humor and sharp political commentary, Stephen Colbert took aim at former President Donald Trump on Monday’s The Late Show, mocking Trump’s decision to dismiss a Labor Department official following a disappointing jobs report. The comedian skewered Trump’s tendency to “fire the messenger” when faced with unfavorable news, quipping that the move only exacerbated the very employment crisis it addressed. “No, you fool!” Colbert exclaimed. “Now there’s one less job!” The monologue, delivered with Colbert’s characteristic wit, highlighted the absurdity of Trump’s reaction to economic data while drawing laughs from his audience. As late-night hosts continue to dissect the political landscape, Colbert’s latest jabs underscore the ongoing tension between Trump’s administration and the media.

The backdrop for Colbert’s remarks was a government report released on Friday, which revealed a significant slowdown in the labor market. Employers scaled back hiring, resulting in what some outlets described as the weakest job growth since the height of the COVID-19 pandemic. Addressing the grim economic outlook, Colbert didn’t hold back, joking that Trump had “taken us back to Covid now.” He painted a vivid picture, adding, “That explains why he’s growing sourdough starter around his ankles,” a quip that elicited chuckles while underscoring the severity of the economic downturn.

Colbert zeroed in on Trump’s decision to oust the commissioner of the Bureau of Labor Statistics (BLS), the agency responsible for the jobs report. “When he heard about this employment crisis, Trump sprang into action and fired the head of the Bureau of Labor Statistics,” Colbert said, feigning exasperation. “No! You fell into her trap!” The comedian’s mock outrage highlighted the irony of Trump’s response: by firing the official, he inadvertently reduced employment further. The line landed as both a critique of Trump’s impulsiveness and a clever play on the report’s implications.

The firing aligns with a pattern Colbert has long lampooned. “It makes sense,” he said. “He fires anyone who gives him bad news.” To illustrate, Colbert adopted a mocking Trump persona, delivering a fictional exchange with a cardiologist: “‘Mr. Dr. Cardiologist, you clearly rigged my cholesterol to be 1,000 and said my blood type was aioli. You’re fired. I happen to know it’s honey mustard.’” The bit, dripping with sarcasm, painted Trump as a leader who rejects reality when it doesn’t suit him, a recurring theme in Colbert’s commentary on the former president.

Other late-night hosts also weighed in on Trump’s actions. On The Tonight Show, Jimmy Fallon joined the conversation, noting that Trump promised to announce a new BLS commissioner soon. “So far, the front-runner is Sydney Sweeney, but we’ll see where we land,” Fallon quipped, poking fun at Trump’s penchant for flashy, headline-grabbing choices. The humor underscored a broader skepticism about Trump’s decision-making, with late-night shows serving as a platform to critique his leadership style.

Beyond the jobs report, Colbert and his peers turned their attention to another Trump proposal: a plan to build a $200 million ballroom on the White House grounds. Unveiled last week, the project has raised eyebrows, with critics questioning its necessity and timing amid economic challenges. Seth Meyers, host of Late Night, seized on the announcement, suggesting it signaled Trump’s reluctance to leave office. “Hmm, it doesn’t sound like he’s planning on leaving in three years,” Meyers remarked. “Back when I was renting apartments, I never even painted.” The line drew laughs while subtly questioning Trump’s long-term intentions.

Colbert also took a swing at the ballroom plan, placing it in historical context. “Presidents are allowed to do a little renovation, of course,” he said, citing past examples. “The Obamas added a vegetable garden. Truman and Nixon both added bowling lanes, and Jimmy Carter famously added a sex dungeon.” The exaggerated Carter reference, delivered with a straight face, was pure Colbert—using absurdity to highlight the extravagance of Trump’s proposal. Meyers added his own spin, noting that the ballroom would be “near but not touching” the Executive Mansion. “So kind of like him and Melania,” he quipped, a jab at Trump’s personal life that resonated with the audience.

The late-night commentary extended beyond Trump’s policies. On Sunday’s Last Week Tonight, John Oliver tackled deferred prosecution agreements, explaining how they allow corporations to evade accountability for misconduct. The segment offered a deeper dive into systemic issues, contrasting with the lighter, topical humor of Colbert and Meyers. Meanwhile, Brittany Snow, star of The Hunting Wives, was scheduled to appear on Late Night with Seth Meyers, signaling the shows’ blend of political satire and celebrity promotion.

In a related cultural note, the revival of the animated series King of the Hill has drawn attention for its unique approach to storytelling. The show, which recently returned with a time jump, explores how its characters have evolved alongside broader changes in American society. Unlike most animated series, which freeze characters in time, King of the Hill embraces the passage of years, offering a poignant reflection on aging and cultural shifts. The revival, credited to creator Mike Judge and Disney, has been praised for its nuanced take on contemporary issues, making it a rare standout in animated television.

Colbert’s monologue, like those of his late-night peers, serves as both entertainment and commentary, distilling complex political and economic developments into digestible humor. His critique of Trump’s firing of the BLS commissioner reflects a broader narrative about accountability—or the lack thereof—in the former president’s approach to governance. By framing the jobs report fallout as a self-inflicted wound, Colbert underscores the absurdity of punishing those who deliver inconvenient truths. The humor resonates with viewers who see late-night shows as a lens through which to process the news.

As economic concerns mount, with the labor market’s struggles signaling potential challenges ahead, the role of late-night comedy in shaping public discourse remains significant. Colbert, Fallon, and Meyers use their platforms to highlight contradictions in political leadership, offering a mix of levity and critique. Whether mocking a $200 million ballroom or a knee-jerk firing, their commentary keeps audiences engaged while prompting reflection on the state of the nation.

For now, Colbert’s barbs at Trump continue to draw attention, reinforcing his status as a leading voice in late-night television. His ability to weave humor with pointed criticism ensures that The Late Show remains a cultural touchstone, even as it faces its own uncertainties with a scheduled cancellation in 2026. As the political landscape evolves, viewers can expect more sharp-tongued monologues from Colbert, holding a mirror to power with every quip.