Stewart mocks Trump's $3 billion gap on 60 Minutes
The Daily Show host analyzes the interview's contradictions and the new CBS correspondent's questioning style.
By Charlotte Dubois ·
Donald Trump's net worth rose by $3 billion since he returned to the White House, a figure he did not acknowledge during a Sunday interview. Jon Stewart highlighted this specific number during his return to The Daily Show desk on Monday night. The host used the discrepancy to frame his critique of the broadcast, which aired on the night following the midterm elections.
Stewart noted that the interview was conducted by Ross Douthat, a religious conservative who serves as a new correspondent for CBS. Stewart described the network as newly aligned with the administration. He played clips showing Douthat challenging Trump directly. When the interviewer stated that the president's wealth increased by $3 billion, Stewart reacted with amusement at the pushback from the interviewer.
The host questioned whether the correspondent had shown too much personality. Stewart asked if the network had just delivered sass to the president. He suggested that the standard response should have been agreement rather than correction. Stewart expressed surprise that he enjoyed watching the exchange, noting he did not expect to find the moment entertaining.
Stewart pointed out a contradiction in Trump's own statements. The president identified money and finance as his best skill early in the conversation. Minutes later, he claimed he did not know how much his worth had increased. Stewart compared this shift in demeanor to different versions of a movie character, contrasting his confident talk of global finance with his ignorance of his personal gain.
The analysis extended to the specific questions Douthat asked. Stewart mocked the decision to ask Trump what he thinks happens when a person dies. The host argued that the president was not equipped to answer such a philosophical question. He also noted that the show cut to commercial immediately after Trump said he could not forgive enemies like James Comey and Nancy Pelosi, even if it prevented him from entering heaven. Stewart called this an artistic choice for dramatic effect.
Stewart also addressed Trump's new Chief of Staff, Stephen Miller, with comedian Jordan Kelly. The episode concluded with a guest appearance by Rachel Maddow. Stewart referred to her presence as a specific type of fantasy for liberal viewers. The monologue marked the first time Stewart hosted the program since the recent midterm election results favored the Democratic party.
The interview aired on Sunday. Stewart's critique was broadcast on Monday night. The episode featured multiple video clips from the CBS special. The show included a segment with Jordan Kelly and a closing appearance by Rachel Maddow.
