Late Night Reacts: Noem Firing, Iran War & RFK Jr’s Starbucks Critique
The late-night circuit was alight with reaction to the recent firing of Kristi Noem as Secretary of Homeland Security, with hosts ranging from Stephen Colbert to Jimmy Kimmel offering pointed commentary on the situation and its broader implications. Beyond Noem’s departure, the ongoing conflict in Iran and the increasingly unusual behavior of Robert F. Kennedy Jr. Also drew attention.
Colbert’s Stark Assessment
Stephen Colbert didn’t mince words on Thursday night, describing Noem as “a domestic terrorist who deserves to go to Gitmo.” The remark came after initially noting the irony of her colleagues celebrating her dismissal, quipping that “it’s a bit of a tell when your co-workers celebrate your firing.” Colbert referenced reports suggesting Noem’s downfall stemmed from “standing too close to that gravel pit,” a veiled reference to the circumstances surrounding her termination, which remain under scrutiny.
The host then turned to the announcement from Donald Trump that Noem would be reassigned as “special envoy for the Shield of the Americas,” a newly created security initiative. Colbert joked that the position sounded akin to being the “Fifa secretary of homeland security.” He also highlighted a report from Semafor detailing a White House insider’s reaction to Noem’s departure: a simple “hallelujah.”
Colbert further criticized Noem’s leadership of ICE, characterizing it as a “catastrophe” marked by “undisciplined, violent, and ill-trained” agents. He pointed to recent reports detailing the inadequate training and preparation of immigration agents, even referencing reports of agents accidentally shooting themselves, though he explicitly stated he wasn’t laughing at the incidents.
Meyers Focuses on Trump’s “Turmoil” and Epstein Files
Seth Meyers, on his Late Night show, framed Noem’s firing as part of a larger pattern of “cabinet in turmoil” within the Trump administration. He playfully mocked Noem’s penchant for posing in various official uniforms – firefighter, police officer, soldier – suggesting she was “only months away from showing up as both leads in Wicked.”
Meyers also addressed the revelation of withheld and removed files related to Jeffrey Epstein, questioning the Justice Department’s actions. He satirized Trump’s alleged instruction to prioritize hiding files mentioning him over broader transparency, suggesting a cynical calculation to deflect scrutiny.
The host also took aim at Trump’s downplaying of rising US gas prices amid the war in Iran, mimicking the president’s dismissive tone and comparing it to a frustrated restaurant patron awaiting a table. Meyers wryly noted the impact of high gas prices on his show’s viewership, quipping that gas station TVs are a significant source of his audience.
Meyers concluded by commenting on Trump’s incoherent justifications for the war in Iran, pointing out the president’s misstatement about his father’s origins, correcting the record that Trump’s father was born in the Bronx.
Kimmel Draws Parallels to Game of Thrones and Questions RFK Jr.
Jimmy Kimmel opened his monologue by comparing Noem’s firing to the infamous “red wedding” from Game of Thrones. He then poked fun at her new role as “special envoy for the Shield of the Americas,” labeling it a “completely made up job” and jokingly suggesting she might be deported to El Salvador.
Kimmel highlighted the appointment of Senator Markwayne Mullin, a former MMA fighter and plumber, as Noem’s replacement, noting that Trump reportedly enjoys watching him on television and comparing him to reality television personality Honey Boo Boo. He speculated about the possibility of further firings within the administration, naming Pam Bondi and Kash Patel as potential candidates.
Turning to the situation in Iran, Kimmel referenced a recent Fox News poll indicating that a majority of US voters feel less safe due to Trump’s handling of the conflict. He then satirized Trump’s suggestion that he should have a role in choosing Iran’s next Ayatollah, proposing a televised competition for the position.
Finally, Kimmel addressed Robert F. Kennedy Jr.’s recent criticism of high-sugar coffee drinks at Dunkin’ and Starbucks, questioning the sudden concern for teenage health from the Trump administration. He delivered the line with a clear tone of skepticism.
The collective response from late-night hosts underscores the significant political and cultural reverberations of Noem’s dismissal, as well as the ongoing scrutiny of the Trump administration’s policies and rhetoric. The commentary also highlights the increasingly bizarre nature of certain political developments, from RFK Jr.’s coffee crusade to Trump’s shifting justifications for international conflict.