A new study analyzing late-night television humor has revealed a significant focus on jokes targeting former President Donald Trump. The findings highlight that Trump remains a dominant subject for many late-night hosts, even as their comedic material occasionally touches on other political figures.
The study examined segments from popular late-night shows, measuring the frequency and content of political humor. Researchers found that jokes about Trump far outnumbered those about President Joe Biden or other high-profile political figures. This pattern reflects a continuing trend of using Trump as a focal point for comedy, despite his absence from the White House.
Critics of the trend argue that the heavy reliance on anti-Trump jokes has made late-night comedy predictable and overly partisan. “It feels like they’re stuck in a loop, unable to move past the 2016 election,” one media analyst commented.
Supporters, however, believe that Trump’s polarizing nature and larger-than-life persona make him a natural target for satire. “He’s a gift to comedy writers—always saying or doing something outrageous,” a veteran comedian remarked.
The study also noted that while jokes about President Biden and other Democrats were less frequent, they often centered on policy missteps or lighter, less controversial topics. This discrepancy has fueled debates about media bias and the role of political humor in shaping public opinion.
As the next election cycle heats up, some observers expect late-night hosts to broaden their scope, incorporating material about a wider range of political figures and issues. However, for now, Trump remains a comedic staple, continuing to spark both laughter and controversy across America’s late-night airwaves.