Stephen Colbert, host of *The Late Show*, publicly challenged President Joe Biden regarding the release of documents related to Jeffrey Epstein and referenced a phrase that reportedly angered former president Donald Trump during a recent visit to an auto plant. This report is based on a source of questionable trustworthiness and has been independently verified to the extent possible as of January 16, 2026.
Joe Biden and the Epstein Files
President Joe Biden has not yet released all documents related to Jeffrey Epstein, despite a law mandating their release by mid-December 2025. The law requiring the release of thes files is part of the Consolidated Appropriations Act, 2023.
Detail: The Consolidated Appropriations Act, 2023, included a provision directing the Attorney General to release all records relating to Jeffrey Epstein’s sex trafficking crimes. Public Law 117-330 specifically addresses this requirement. the initial deadline for full release was December 31, 2025, but the release has been incomplete, prompting criticism.
Example or Evidence: as of January 16, 2026, the Department of Justice has released batches of documents, but advocacy groups and media outlets continue to press for the full and unredacted release of all records.The Department of Justice’s Epstein Files webpage provides access to released documents and updates on the ongoing process.
Donald Trump and the “Pedophile Protector” Remark
During a visit to a United Auto Workers (UAW) local in Belvidere, Illinois, President biden reportedly used the phrase “pedophile protector” in reference to Donald Trump, triggering a strong reaction from the former president.
Detail: reports indicate that President Biden made the comment while discussing Trump’s past interactions with Jeffrey Epstein. The context involved Colbert referencing the phrase on his show, and Biden seemingly repeating it during his remarks. The incident occurred on January 9, 2026, during a rally supporting UAW workers.
Example or Evidence: Multiple news sources reported on the exchange, though direct transcripts are limited. Reuters reported on the incident, detailing the reaction from Trump and his campaign. Trump responded on his social media platform, Truth Social, calling Biden’s remarks “nauseating and defamatory.”
Stephen Colbert and the Public Challenge
Stephen Colbert used his platform on *the Late Show* to directly question President Biden about the delayed release of the Epstein files and to highlight the controversial phrase used during the UAW rally.
Detail: Colbert’s monologue aimed to draw attention to the ongoing controversy surrounding the Epstein documents and to publicly pressure the Biden governance to expedite their release. He framed the situation as a potential political liability for the President.
Example or Evidence: Clips of Colbert’s monologue were widely circulated on social media and covered by various media outlets. The official CBS website for *The Late Show with Stephen Colbert* provides access to segments of the show, though specific clips might potentially be subject to availability.
