Photo credit: www.thewrap.com
In a stunning announcement that has sent shockwaves through the economy, Donald Trump revealed plans for significant tariffs on imported goods, a move many experts describe as more dire than the most pessimistic predictions. This news set the stage for a comedic yet critical reflection from Stephen Colbert during his recent monologue, where he quipped about how Americans might now find themselves “liberated” from the burden of affordable foreign products.
Colbert humorously posed the question, “Who’s ready to learn how to make their own iPad from scratch?” suggesting that consumers might need to embrace DIY manufacturing in light of the tariffs. His playful commentary underscored the absurdity he attributed to the situation, emphasizing the frustrations many consumers might feel.
Delving deeper into the origins of the tariffs, Colbert remarked on the seemingly hasty decision-making process, implying that Trump was still deliberating until the last moment. “If you’re not well-versed in the ins and outs of political jargon,” he explained, “that means they were brainstorming ideas late at night, perhaps even through the bathroom door.”
He continued this tongue-in-cheek exploration by imagining a scenario where even beloved products were subject to additional costs, jesting about the implications for brands like Lucky Charms and suggesting an absurd price hike for the iconic cereal.
Colbert pointed out that the proposed tariffs would mark the most stringent trade restrictions since the Smoot-Hawley tariffs of the 1930s—a historical reference he used to highlight the potential repercussions on international trade. He humorously remarked that the heavy-handed nature of those past tariffs contributed significantly to the economic turmoil of the era, likening Herbert Hoover’s reputation to that of vacuums named after him for not “sucking.”
Furthering the discussion on historical context, Colbert noted that many historians believe the Smoot-Hawley tariffs played a substantial role in the decline of global trade during the Great Depression, a claim he clarified by pointing out that while the depression was already unfolding, the tariffs exacerbated the economic crisis. He quipped, “It doesn’t mean it’s going to happen again, but just in case, we should all practice our sad Dust Bowl Migrant Mother pose,” before humorously mimicking the iconic image.
Colbert’s monologue offered an insightful yet comedic take on a significant economic policy shift, prompting viewers to reflect on the potential implications while also finding humor in the chaos surrounding the announcement. For those interested, the entire monologue is available to watch below:
Source
www.thewrap.com