Stephen Colbert breaks down Trump vs. the CDC

Stephen Colbert examined how the Centers for Disease Control’s guidelines have been revised through pressure from the White House.

Disconnect among government agencies at the very start of the pandemic may be forgiven by some. But months into the crisis, it is hard to believe that tension still exists between the White House and the Centers for Disease Control. That’s how Stephen Colbert feels as he explained during Wednesday night’s Late Show monologue.

The Late Show with Stephen Colbert has been chronicling President Donald Trump’s handling of the COVID-19 pandemic. Specifically, the late night show has focused on the president’s response to medical experts. Colbert and company’s conclusion? It’s not good.

Whether it is contradicting Dr. Anthony Fauci and Dr. Deborah Birx, refusing to wear a mask, or admitting to taking experimental drugs, President Trump has demonstrated he is unwilling to follow advice from medical and public health officials.

The latest example came from a report on how CDC guidelines on reopening states have been altered by the White House. Colbert weighed in on the situation during his monologue on Wednesday night:

The last thing a public health institute should be during a pandemic is “muzzled.” But apparently that’s how some are describing the way President Trump’s administration is treating the CDC. It has been clear for some time that the president wants the economy to bounce back as quickly as possible, especially as the Nov. election approaches. Colbert sees through this as well as anyone and calls it out.

As if that wasn’t enough, Colbert then moves on to another unnerving story. The White House is reportedly recruiting “pro-Trump” doctors to appear on television and support efforts to reopen the country. The idea of politicizing doctors is ridiculous and Colbert treats it as such. His imagined roster of pro-Trump doctors includes Dr. Doom, Dr. Frankenstein, and Dr. Pepper.

For fans who have been watching The Late Show consistently during the pandemic, they know Colbert’s wish is for consistent, reliable messaging from the government. The host held out hope that the circumstances would compel the Trump White House to prioritize public health. But Colbert didn’t hold his breath and every new show reveals what Colbert considers failures.

What did you think of this monologue from The Late Show with Stephen Colbert? Let us know in the comment section below. Keep checking Last Night On for more on the world of late night television.