Stephen Colbert explains how Trump tanked Tom Emmer’s Speaker chances
By Matt Moore
Stephen Colbert’s monologue continues to document the twists and turns in the House of Representatives. The latest installment saw The Late Show break down how former President Donald Trump tanked Representative Tom Emmer’s shot at Speaker of the House.
Colbert hasn’t held back in criticizing, mocking, and laughing at the House GOP. First, he recapped the “unprecedented humiliation” of Kevin McCarthy. Then, Colbert’s monologue called Jim Jordan’s failed attempt at Speaker a “historic humiliation”.
Now, it’s Representative Tom Emmer’s turn. After Republicans nominated him from a field of nine candidates, Emmer’s chances were essentially over before they began. Perhaps no one was less surprised than Stephen Colbert to see Donald Trump play a role.
“Maybe not the perfect candidate,” Colbert said of Emmer. “But at least Republicans were this close to having a functioning government. Which, of course, is Donald Trump’s mortal enemy.”
Stephen Colbert breaks down Trump’s Truth social post about Tom Emmer
Colbert, who is notably back to saying Trump’s name on air, proceeded to break down the former president’s social media post about Tom Emmer. It wasn’t exactly the “complete and total endorsement” Trump typically sends out regarding a fellow Republican.
“I have many wonderful friends wanting to be Speaker of the House,” Trump wrote on Truth Social, “and some are truly great warriors. RINO Tom Emmer, who I do not know well, is not one of them.”
Colbert admitted that Trump’s message effectively ended Tom Emmer’s chances at becoming the Speaker of the House. It’s clear that anyone who gets nominated or hopes to get enough votes must have Trump’s approval.
So when Colbert reported that Emmer dropped out of the race shortly after Trump’s message, the Late Show host struck a somber tone. “Farewell, Tom Emmer. You will be Googled,” he said, mocking Emmer’s irrelevance.
The GOP has apparently moved on to Representative Mike Johnson. But don’t expect a vote of confidence from Stephen Colbert. “He will never be Speaker,” the comedian said in his monologue. Fans should expect more updates from The Late Show after the next chapter of chaos in the House.