Stephen Colbert’s Sharp Monologue on Trump and Epstein Files Ignites Online Frenzy

NEW YORK — On Thursday night’s episode of “The Late Show With Stephen Colbert,” the host delivered a pointed and methodical critique of President Trump’s long-standing associations with Jeffrey Epstein, just hours before the Justice Department was scheduled to release remaining documents related to the late financier and convicted sex offender. The segment, blending archival footage, impersonations and biting humor, quickly went viral, drawing millions of views and sparking intense reactions across social media platforms.

Mr. Colbert, known for his incisive political satire, began the monologue with a light touch, declaring it “Epstein Files Eve” in a nod to the impending deadline for the file release on Friday. He then pivoted to a detailed examination of Mr. Trump’s past relationship with Epstein, replaying old clips of the two men socializing in the 1990s and early 2000s, including interviews where Mr. Trump described Epstein as a “terrific guy” who shared an appreciation for “beautiful women … on the younger side.”

Using his trademark impersonation of the president — complete with exaggerated hand gestures and a Queens accent — Mr. Colbert imagined Mr. Trump’s private reaction to the looming disclosures. “You can see the end is in sight,” he said in character, “which is crazy because you’ve always believed that nothing bad could ever happen to you because the world’s an illusion and you’re the only one that’s real.”

The audience in the Ed Sullivan Theater responded with a mix of laughter and audible gasps, particularly when Mr. Colbert highlighted a provision in the recently passed law mandating the release: records cannot be withheld or redacted due to “embarrassment, reputational harm, or political sensitivity.” “And here’s the kicker,” Mr. Colbert noted dryly, quoting from reports, before pausing for effect as applause built.

The segment culminated in what many online commentators called the “kill shot”: Mr. Colbert, breaking character, stared directly into the camera and delivered a wry observation about the president’s apparent anxiety over the files, juxtaposed with clips of Mr. Trump’s recent public distractions, including announcements about renaming the Kennedy Center and escalating costs for a new White House ballroom.

Within hours, clips from the monologue were circulating widely on platforms like X and TikTok, amassing tens of millions of impressions. Hashtags such as #EpsteinFilesEve and #ColbertOnTrump trended nationally, with users debating the boundaries of late-night commentary in an era of heightened political polarization.

Reports from sources close to the White House, speaking on condition of anonymity, described a tense atmosphere as Mr. Trump reportedly watched the broadcast live. Aides recounted the president pacing, voicing frustration and directing staff to monitor online reactions. By morning, Mr. Trump had posted several messages on Truth Social dismissing the segment as “fake news” from a “failing comedian,” while supporters rallied with counter-clips and memes defending the president.

The episode comes amid broader scrutiny of Mr. Trump’s ties to Epstein, renewed by congressional action that forced the file release despite earlier efforts by the administration to downplay their significance. Legal experts note that while Mr. Trump has never been accused of wrongdoing in connection with Epstein’s crimes, the documents could shed light on social circles overlapping with powerful figures across politics and business.

Mr. Colbert’s takedown also intersected with ongoing discussions about media and accountability. Late-night television has long served as a cultural barometer for political discontent, but in recent years, hosts like Mr. Colbert have faced accusations of bias from conservative circles. Supporters, however, praise the format for holding power to account through humor and fact-checking.

The viral moment underscored the enduring influence of broadcast television in the fragmented media landscape. As one social media analyst observed, “In an age of short-form content, a well-crafted 10-minute monologue can still dominate the conversation.”

Whether the segment crossed into partisanship or simply illuminated uncomfortable truths remained a point of contention online, with replies ranging from celebratory replays to vehement denunciations. Yet as the Epstein files began trickling out on Friday, many viewers noted that Mr. Colbert’s timing — deliberate and unflinching — had amplified public interest at a critical juncture.

In a television ecosystem increasingly challenged by streaming and declining linear viewership, moments like these remind audiences why late-night remains a vital, if polarizing, institution.