Stephen Colbert has shifted his political satire to new territory, targeting Vice President JD Vance with an AI-generated video after the late-night host accused Donald Trump of pushing offensive memes.
Colbert, whose Late Show was canceled by CBS earlier this year, opened his segment by highlighting a clip of Vance defending Trump’s online behavior.
Vance had dismissed concerns about the President’s use of doctored images, which included showing House Minority Leader Hakeem Jeffries wearing a sombrero and mustache.
“I make this solemn promise to you that if you help us reopen the government, the sombrero memes will stop,” Vance said.
He characterized Trump’s social media activity as “joking” and “having a good time.”
The gag referenced a long-circulating internet rumor that first gained traction during the 2024 campaign.
The false story claimed Vance had admitted in a memoir to a sexual encounter involving a latex glove and a couch cushion.
The baseless allegation was widely debunked, but it resurfaced online as a viral meme during the election season.
Colbert’s bit leaned into that viral history, drawing laughs from his audience but also pushing the boundaries of televised comedy.
The satirist has previously said he intends to hold the Trump administration to account through humor now that he no longer hosts a nightly network program.