Stephen Colbert Gives Republicans Shielding Trump a Class in 'Authoritarianism 101'

Alexandra Rosenmann
,
 AlterNet
and
 Alexandra Rosenmann
May 11, 2017

President Trump's abrupt firing of FBI director James Comey on Tuesday has raised any number of questions, particularly about Republicans' unflinching loyalty to a transparently unstable president.

"Why did Trump do it?" Stephen Colbert began Wednesday night's "Late Show." "Now, while it looks like Donald Trump fired James Comey to stop the Russian investigation — that is why." 

"Firing Jim Comey, head of the FBI, really feels like Authoritarianism 101," noted Colbert. "There's no grand strategy; he's not some puppet-master; he's not some wizard playing three-dimensional chess. He's playing Hungry-Hungry Hippos... He's a baby pool. You could not get your ankles wet in Donald Trump."

Colbert read through several possible iterations of Trump's termination letter to Comey, skewering the administration's bizarre reasoning for his dismissal.

"While I greatly appreciate you informing me, on three separate occasions, that I am not under investigation, I nevertheless concur with the judgment of the Department of Justice that you are not able to effectively lead the Bureau," Colbert read.

"Did you catch that?" he asked his audience. "He's saying this is not about the Russia investigation in a letter firing Comey for the Russia investigation."

The host concluded Trump's statement was about as "clever" as "carving your alibi on the murder weapon." 

"Hold on one second!' he pantomimed, as Trump. "Not Donny's gun. I think the maid did it. Sad! Build the wall."

Watch:

Report typos and corrections to: feedback@alternet.org.

Enjoy this piece?

… then let us make a small request. AlterNet’s journalists work tirelessly to counter the traditional corporate media narrative. We’re here seven days a week, 365 days a year. And we’re proud to say that we’ve been bringing you the real, unfiltered news for 20 years—longer than any other progressive news site on the Internet.

It’s through the generosity of our supporters that we’re able to share with you all the underreported news you need to know. Independent journalism is increasingly imperiled; ads alone can’t pay our bills. AlterNet counts on readers like you to support our coverage. Did you enjoy content from David Cay Johnston, Common Dreams, Raw Story and Robert Reich? Opinion from Salon and Jim Hightower? Analysis by The Conversation? Then join the hundreds of readers who have supported AlterNet this year.

Every reader contribution, whatever the amount, makes a tremendous difference. Help ensure AlterNet remains independent long into the future. Support progressive journalism with a one-time contribution to AlterNet, or click here to become a subscriber. Thank you. Click here to donate by check.

DonateDonate by credit card

Close
Copy link
@2021 - AlterNet Media Inc. All Rights Reserved.

Thanks for your support!

Did you enjoy AlterNet this year? Join us! We're offering AlterNet ad-free for 15% off - just $2 per week. From now until March 15th.