Stephen Colbert’s monologue tries to make sense of Trump blabbing nuclear sub secrets
By Matt Moore
Stephen Colbert’s monologue on Monday night dug into the latest revelation about how Donald Trump handled national security secrets. The Late Show unpacked reports that Trump revealed key details about American nuclear submarines to an Australian billionaire.
Former President Donald Trump is already facing charges related to retaining and storing classified documents at his Mar-a-Lago club in Florida. While Trump remains adamant he was within his rights to keep the documents, he’s still looking at a difficult legal mountain to climb.
Now, reports say Trump allegedly discussed sensitive information regarding U.S. nuclear subs with Anthony Pratt, an Australian billionaire and member of Trump’s Mar-a-Lago club. The conversation reportedly happened months after Trump left office. Special counsel Jack Smith’s team then learned Pratt passed on what he learned from Trump to at least 45 other people. Trump allegedly revealed th number of nuclear warheads U.S. subs carry and how close they can get to a Russian submarine without being detected.
Stephen Colbert’s monologue tried to find an explanation for why Trump would openly discuss U.S. military secrets. The comedian joked that Trump heard Pratt was from “down under,” and “that’s where submarines are.”
Stephen Colbert’s monologue sinks Trump over nuclear sub story
Donald Trump has long positioned himself as a master dealmaker. So, Stephen Colbert argued maybe that’s all that happened as Trump tried to encourage Australia to buy American submarines. Invoking the classic sales mantra “ABC” from Glengarry Glen Ross, Colbert joked that Trump’s philosophy was “Always Be Compromising national security.”
On the other hand, maybe Trump didn’t make the best deal if he didn’t get any of Australia’s secrets. Colbert’s monologue joked the former president should have found out how to make a bloomin’ onion.
Colbert closed out his coverage of Trump sharing nuclear submarine secrets by breaking down the response. Trump denied the report, saying he only promoted the strength of the American military and its equipment. The Late Show host wasn’t buying it, teasing that a Trump rant is bound to reveal Navy passwords next.
There’s a chance we may hear more about how Donald Trump handled sensitive materials as his trial gets closer. If that happens, expect an update in Stephen Colbert’s monologue.