John Oliver Returns to ‘The Daily Show’ to Mock America’s ‘Monarchy Era’ Under Trump
On this week’s episode of The Daily Show, comedian John Oliver made a surprise appearance to poke fun at what he called America’s shift toward a “monarchy era” under Donald Trump’s growing executive authority. The segment, which blended satire with sharp political commentary, saw Oliver and host Jon Stewart debating whether the United States was still a functioning democracy or had become something closer to the empire it once rebelled against.
Oliver’s Entrance: “The Prodigal Son Returns”
As Stewart lamented Trump’s unchecked power and the lack of political resistance, he was interrupted by slow, sarcastic applause from offstage. Enter John Oliver, his former Daily Show colleague, smirking as he greeted the audience. “The prodigal son appears to have returned,” Oliver quipped, setting the tone for a comedic yet biting exchange.
Stewart, feigning surprise, welcomed Oliver back and asked if he was there to offer wisdom. “Oh, no, no, Jon, I’m here to gloat,” Oliver responded. He then launched into a mock celebration of America’s supposed return to monarchy, sarcastically congratulating the country for abandoning democracy after centuries of effort to escape British rule.
Monarchy vs. Democracy: A Satirical Debate
Stewart pushed back, arguing that while the U.S. was experiencing “trouble with democratic governance,” it was premature to declare the republic dead. But Oliver doubled down, insisting that embracing monarchy had its benefits. “Kings get shit done,” he joked. “Is it stuff you wanted done? Not necessarily. But they do move quick! They taste cumin at lunch and they’ve taken over an entire continent by dinner time.”
Oliver’s monologue took a more critical turn as he highlighted America’s imperial tendencies over the last half-century. “For a country that doesn’t want to be an empire, you’re doing a pretty fucking good impression of one,” he said, citing U.S. military interventions, economic influence, and controversial geopolitical strategies. His jab at recent proposals to turn Gaza into a “beachfront casino” underscored the segment’s underlying critique of American foreign policy.
Stewart’s Closing Grimace: “We Really Have Become Our Father”
As Oliver continued to compare America’s actions to those of historical empires, Stewart finally conceded with a pained expression, turning to the camera and deadpanning, “We really have become our father.”
The exchange was a reminder of The Daily Show’s enduring ability to blend humor with sharp political insight. Stewart and Oliver, both veterans of satirical news, once again demonstrated their knack for making serious issues more digestible through comedy. Whether or not America is truly in its “monarchy era,” their conversation left viewers with plenty to think about—wrapped in the laughter of a well-timed joke.
