Understanding Trump’s Economic Strategies: The Start of Trade Wars and Elon Musk’s Financial Influence
During his initial two weeks in the presidency, Donald Trump has generated such a whirlwind of activity that Jimmy Kimmel found himself too preoccupied to explore the fascinating happenings on the Grammys red carpet involving Kanye West and Bianca Censori‘s provocative attire. The rapid pace of political change has overshadowed even major cultural events, illustrating the profound impact of Trump?s administration on the national conversation.
?This highlights how much the times have changed. Before Trump, this would have dominated our entire monologue,? Kimmel pointed out. ?Now, it feels like the ninth most outrageous event that occurred this weekend.? This statement underscores the chaotic climate of contemporary politics where traditional entertainment narratives are eclipsed by urgent political discourse.
Kimmel and his fellow late-night hosts, including Stephen Colbert, Jon Stewart, Seth Meyers, and Jimmy Fallon, endeavored to make sense of the tumultuous events transpiring in Washington since last week. They addressed ongoing criticisms of DEI initiatives, the emergence of a potential trade war, and the unsettling access Elon Musk has to sensitive governmental information, raising concerns about transparency and accountability in leadership.
?I thought you were just going to lower the cost of eggs,? Meyers quipped during his ?A Closer Look? segment. ?What?s all this other nonsense about?? His humorous remark captures the bewilderment many feel regarding the unpredictable and often convoluted policies emerging from the new administration.

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Elon Musk: The Unofficial President with Unprecedented Access
Meyers expressed his concerns regarding the activity of Musk?s new Department of Government Efficiency, stating, ?While Trump threatens trade wars abroad, he allows the real president, Elon Musk, to rummage through government computer systems and essentially eliminate anything he doesn’t approve of.? This commentary raises serious questions about the balance of power and the influence of private corporations in public governance.
The Late Night host also noted Musk?s purported team of six engineers, reportedly aged between 19 and 24, who assist him in accessing the nation?s financial systems responsible for disbursing crucial funds like Social Security. This highlights concerns over the qualifications and motivations of those handling sensitive governmental data and the implications for national security.
?I have to say, it?s concerning that all our sensitive government data is in the hands of individuals who could be bribed with tacos and sideboob,? Meyers humorously remarked. This levity juxtaposed with serious concerns reflects the absurdity of the current political landscape.
On The Daily Show, Stewart commented on how part of Trump’s agenda appears to involve Musk and his team erasing all DEI programs and initiatives from government websites, signaling a broader effort to reshape public policy and societal norms regarding diversity and inclusion.
?It?s a strange battle to choose,? Stewart noted, adding that Musk, Pete Hegseth, and most of Trump?s staff ?are themselves DEI for one specific identity that they possess, the ass-kisser. DEI: D?k-sucking ego inflation.? This critique underscores the hypocrisy of the administration’s stance on equity and representation.

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Understanding the Unpredictable Nature of Trade Policies
As late-night shows were crafting their comedic takes, Trump abruptly aborted his highly controversial tariff plans?at least offering a 30-day delay on the 25% tariffs enacted on Saturday for Mexico and Canada. This sudden shift raises questions about the administration’s strategy and its implications for international relations.
But what could motivate him to pick a fight with America?s neighboring allies? ?No f?king reason by any means,? argued Meyers, emphasizing the irrationality behind the administration’s aggressive economic tactics.
He mentioned that Trump claimed, ?without the US subsidizing Canada, the country would cease to exist,? suggesting that he recommended the northern neighbor become the 51st state. ?I have to say I?m shocked that he knows how many states there are,? Meyers joked, highlighting the absurdity of Trump’s comments.
The primary argument Trump presented was his belief that it was crucial for Canada and Mexico to halt the flow of undocumented migrants into the US, insisting they had not done so, and thus, the US must take drastic measures. This stance reflects a narrow view of immigration and its complexities.
?If we stopped it, why would you want them to stop it?? Meyers inquired. ?How do they stop something you already halted?? This rhetorical question emphasizes the contradictions in Trump’s immigration policies and the challenges they pose to diplomatic relations.
Stewart expressed disbelief at the idea of targeting Canada with tariffs, particularly. ?We?re picking a fight with our most reliable and friendly ally, the labradoodle of allies?? he questioned, using humor to underscore the absurdity of the situation.
He argued that this behavior demonstrates that America is a ?horrible friend,? and criticized the choice of adversaries. ?We used to fight the Nazis. Now we?re scouring the world for easy marks,? he lamented. ?What are we, the Jake Paul of countries?? This analogy highlights a troubling trend in American foreign policy.

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Even Jimmy Fallon on The Tonight Show raised eyebrows regarding Trump initiating a trade war with the nation?s closest allies, to which he responded in his Trump impression, ?I didn?t say anything about Russia and North Korea.? His comment reflects the selective nature of Trump’s foreign policy priorities.
Fallon continued, ?It?s a strange fight to choose. I mean, China, okay, but Canada and Mexico? Maybe it?s the New Yorker in me, but the last people you want to upset are your upstairs and downstairs neighbors.? This remark underscores the importance of maintaining healthy relationships with neighboring countries for economic stability.
Over on The Late Show, Colbert also made the neighbor analogy, suggesting Trump?s trade war is akin to going next door and saying, ??Hello, I just moved in next door. Give me your wifi password or I?m gonna poop in your dog.?? This humorous take encapsulates the absurdity of the ongoing trade tensions.
On Jimmy Kimmel Live!, the host was astonished by footage of Canadian fans booing the American national anthem in response to Trump’s harsh tariffs, which were delayed for 30 days after two phone calls with Prime Minister Justin Trudeau. This reaction illustrates the significant diplomatic fallout from the administration’s policies.

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?He?s been in office two weeks, and he?s already made Canada,? Kimmel remarked, ?The nicest people on earth are frustrated with us!? This comment highlights the rapid deterioration of relations with traditionally friendly nations.
Kimmel referenced a Washington Post article labeling it ?The Dumbest Trade War in History,? but he countered that notion. ?It?s not dumb. What it is is fake. He?s pretending to impose tariffs so that Canada and Mexico can pretend to bend over for him, and then he?ll appear like he?s the big hero,? he commented, comparing the situation to professional wrestling. This analysis sheds light on the performative nature of political tactics.
Many of the hosts noted Trump’s use of a convoluted phrase in his statement regarding the tariffs when he wrote, ?Will there be some pain? Yes, maybe (and maybe not!).? This vague language reflects a lack of clarity in policy communication.
?Pretty sure he stole that from his wedding vows,? Colbert quipped, while Fallon joked, ?It?s comforting to know he?s being advised by a Magic 8 Ball.? These humorous remarks highlight the absurdity of the political discourse surrounding tariff policies.
The good news is that both tariffs were nearly immediately delayed, with Stewart breathing a sigh of relief. ?Self-inflicted crisis averted,? he stated, adding, ?Of course, it makes sense to wrap up the trade war now so that we as a country can focus on the most important thing that?s weakening our great nation.? This comment underscores the need for effective governance in times of uncertainty.

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The Fear of DEI: An Unfounded Panic?
As Trump and his administration work tirelessly to erase DEI from the White House, the federal government, and even everyday language, Stewart remarked, ?The MAGA world has blamed this scourge for everything from the fires in California to the attack on Bourbon Street, inflation, the Baltimore bridge collapse, and even why your kids are confused about the race of mermaids.? This exaggerated rhetoric illustrates the politicization of diversity and inclusion efforts.
The administration’s latest scapegoat for DEI was the tragic Washington D.C. airplane crash, with Trump hastily suggesting the acronym as a possible culprit. This highlights a trend of using DEI as a catch-all explanation for various societal issues.
?These guys would have you believe that the primary issue is that standards were somehow lowered to ensure that a Black person or a gay person gets the chance to land your plane, even though




