Stephen Colbert used what he called his “Last Biden impression ever” to mock Donald Trump’s approval ratings ahead of “The Late Show” finale next week.
Stephen Colbert kicked off his Wednesday monologue with a biting bit that he framed as what could be his “Last Biden impression ever,” turning his satire toward President Donald Trump’s approval numbers as “The Late Show” prepares to wrap up.
Wearing a pair of aviator sunglasses. Colbert channeled former President Joe Biden while discussing the latest reaction to Trump’s handling of the economy.. During the segment. he leaned into jokes about economic fallout. arguing that “war in Iran” has worsened conditions at home and that voters have taken notice.. Colbert also cited public sentiment—saying a large majority disapprove of Trump’s approach to the economy and that more than two-thirds feel the country is “out of control.”
Then Colbert pushed the humor further by adopting a mock “calm down” tone. asking listeners to believe Trump has everything under control and posing the question: what. exactly. is the president’s plan.. The bit followed a clip that the show played of Trump making a comedic mouth sound. and Colbert responded by saying the president’s poll numbers are “not good.”
At that point. the monologue shifted gears again as Colbert brought in a news discussion from CNN’s Harry Enten. who was described as saying Trump is facing the “five worst polls ever for any president”—with the note that Biden was not included in that comparison.. Colbert punctuated the moment by putting on the same shades again. a nod to Biden’s signature look. before fully slipping into the former POTUS impersonation.
In the impersonation. Colbert delivered lines that included “That’s right. Jack. ” a quick reference to “Barack. ” and a jab that he was “not in there” because he was “in here.” He also joked about the contrast between the current moment and “when I was in charge. ” ending with a direct. self-aware punchline as he moved “robotically and slowly” around the stage.. “Last Biden impression ever. ” he declared. then prompted the audience to “Let’s dance. everybody. ” urging a finale-style moment for the routine.
The timing matters: “The Late Show” is set to conclude next week. with CBS having locked in the final air date as May 21.. Colbert’s on-air goodbye energy has been building as viewers approach the last week of the program. and the monologue’s framing made it feel especially personal—at least within the language of comedy.
That end date is the result of CBS’s decision to end the long-running late-night program shortly after Colbert previously mocked a Paramount settlement tied to President Donald Trump. described as a “big fat bribe.” Even then. the network’s position was that the cancellation call was “purely a financial one. ” which is the backdrop for how the show’s final chapter is being handled.
For now, “The Late Show With Stephen Colbert” continues on its regular schedule—airing weeknights at 11:35 p.m. ET on CBS—while Colbert keeps using his platform to mix politics and punchlines right up to the end.
Stephen Colbert Late Show Biden impression Trump approval ratings late night comedy CBS finale political satire