Massachusetts Democratic Sen. Elizabeth Warren told Stephen Colbert that her Republican colleagues in Congress can no longer meet her eye because of embarrassment over President Donald Trump's Iran war.
Warren's Remarks on The Late Show
Guesting on CBS's The Late Show Thursday for the 19th time, Warren was quizzed on attitudes to the conflict in Washington, D.C., as peace talks with Tehran remain out of reach and the Strait of Hormuz stays blocked. Colbert noted Trump's campaign promise of no foreign wars, yet the U.S. is embroiled in a conflict without an exit or entrance strategy.
When asked about eye contact with GOP colleagues, Warren replied, “Oh man, those guys… Their eyes are just glued to the floor all the time.” She explained that Republicans understand the president cannot explain why the war started, the strategy, what constitutes winning, or how to exit. “The number one thing they cannot explain is how this war is helping one single person in the United States of America,” she said, urging Republicans to help Democrats end the war immediately.
Constitutional Concerns and Global Impact
Warren pointed out that only Congress has the power to declare war, making Trump's launch of Operation Epic Fury on February 28 unconstitutional. She wrote to Defense Secretary Pete Hegseth demanding answers on the “chaos and incompetence” but received no reply, warning of damage to U.S. global standing beyond human and financial costs.
Criticism of Fed Nominee
Warren also criticized Trump's nominee to lead the Federal Reserve, Kevin Warsh, calling him a “sock puppet” and alleging he would raise interest rates at the president's behest to sway November's midterms, violating the central bank's independence.
Colbert's Monologue and Correspondents' Dinner
Colbert introduced a “breaking news” segment with no actual news, highlighting the stalemate. He looked ahead to the White House Correspondents' Dinner, where Trump is expected to appear after a decade-long absence, reportedly to lambast the press before leaving. Colbert joked about mentalist Oz Pearlman reading Trump's mind, impersonating the president: “What number am I thinking of? Three!”
Colbert also gave his Joe Biden impression and derided Health Secretary Robert F. Kennedy Jr. over his interest in animal anatomy. The Late Show airs its final episode on May 21, with former President Barack Obama among the final guests.
