Stephen Colbert needs a favor after Joe Biden pardons Hunter

President Joe Biden made the somewhat surprising announcement to pardon his son, Hunter Biden. And while some debate whether it was right or wrong, Stephen Colbert has some ideas on how the president can continue to use his pardon power.

Hunter Biden was awaiting sentencing on tax and firearm charges. But now, he won't face any consequences after his father issued a sweeping pardon. It comes with just a little over a month left in Joe Biden's presidency.

"I say you should go full bucket list," Colbert said of Biden's pardons. "Pardon all the January 6th people before Trump can do it. That would really burn him," the Late Show host joked.

"Or you know what would be really funny? If Joe pardoned, like, every late-night host. And just because I think it would be a funny bit, I would accept it," Colbert added.

Why would Stephen Colbert want a pardon? Well, the incoming president has labeled Colbert an "enemy." And it's clear Trump has some ill will toward Jimmy Kimmel, Seth Meyers, and just about anyone else behind a late-night TV desk.

President Biden cast a pretty wide net with his pardon for Hunter Biden. It covers years and applies to crimes Hunter may or may not have committed. That sounds like a pretty good deal for Colbert, who has been insulting the incoming president for the better part of eight years.

He's joking, but maybe part of Colbert is curious about what the next four years will be like under Trump. The Late Show host has never held back in his criticism or punchlines, even going too far at some points. Remember, Colbert has also joked about taking a job in Trump's cabinet in exchange for going quiet about the next president.

Will Colbert pull back at all? That seems unlikely, even if the late-night host thinks he deserves a pardon as a safety net.