In response to Donald Trump’s election victory over Vice President Kamala Harris, late-night show hosts reacted with both humor and sorrow. Jimmy Kimmel, Seth Meyers, Stephen Colbert, and Jimmy Fallon each voiced their unease on air.
Kimmel, on ABC, opened with a fake smile and described the night as “the worst Taco Tuesday of my life.” He later became emotional, reflecting on how the result impacted women, children, and immigrants, adding that even Trump supporters would eventually see the negative effects. Kimmel sarcastically claimed the outcome was a win for figures like Russian President Vladimir Putin and Silicon Valley billionaires.
Seth Meyers took a different tone on NBC, sarcastically admitting he’d supported Harris, and jokingly compared the election result to a disappointing Christmas. He pointed out his disbelief that so many Americans still back Trump, ending his remarks with a humorous, resigned acceptance of Trump’s return.
Colbert, meanwhile, opened CBS’s “Late Show” on a more somber note, empathizing with his viewers’ likely disappointment. He urged viewers to reach out to others in such moments, saying that difficult experiences had shaped his life and made him resilient. Colbert transitioned into a satirical segment on election night reactions.
Jimmy Fallon lightened the mood on NBC with one-liners, joking that America had “gotten back with a crazy ex” and poking fun at Democrats considering Mars as an escape. His quick wit underscored his own feelings of dismay but kept the tone upbeat.
Together, these hosts delivered a blend of humor, disbelief, and sadness, reflecting a shared sentiment over Trump’s unexpected election win.