Internet in splits as Stephen Colbert takes a dig at Trump's Gettysburg gaffe with mock Ken Burns-style documentary

Stephen Colbert couldn't hold back when it came to poking fun at Trump's apparent struggle with coherence during a recent Schnecksville rally
PUBLISHED APR 17, 2024
Stephen Colbert dissed Donald Trump's disjointed Pennsylvania rally speech (@ColbertLateShow/YouTube, Getty Images)
Stephen Colbert dissed Donald Trump's disjointed Pennsylvania rally speech (@ColbertLateShow/YouTube, Getty Images)

LOS ANGELES, CALIFORNIA: Stephen Colbert took aim at Donald Trump over his peculiar remarks from a Pennsylvania rally during the Monday, April 15, installment of 'The Late Show'. 

The late-night host didn't hold back from ridiculing his apparent struggle with coherence, particularly while discussing the Battle of Gettysburg.



 

Stephen Colbert pokes fun at Donald Trump's Gettysburg gaffe

During the rally in Schnecksville, Trump stumbled over words and delivered what Colbert described as "gibberish" to the audience. In one instance, while attempting to address the problem with immigration, he uttered the puzzling term "adlinthin."

However, it was his description of the historic Battle of Gettysburg that truly caught Colbert's attention.

"Gettysburg — what an unbelievable battle that was," said Trump about the 1863 battle of Gettysburg. 

The ex-POTUS elaborated, "I mean, it was so much and so interesting and so vicious and horrible and so beautiful in so many different ways. It represented such a big portion of the success this country. Gettysburg, wow."

Colbert wasted no time in lampooning Trump's comments, dryly dubbing them "stirring" in his Monday night monologue. With a sly smile, the late-night host quipped, "I look forward to Ken Burns' updated documentary," before unveiling a mock Ken Burns-style documentary featuring the ex-POTUS' baffling words. 

NEW YORK, NEW YORK - JANUARY 11: Former U.S. President Donald Trump sits in the courtroom during his civil fraud trial at New York Supreme Court on January 11, 2024 in New York City. Trump won't make his own closing arguments after his lawyers objected to Judge Arthur Engoron insistence that Trump stay within the bounds of
Donald Trump was mocked over his Gettysburg gaffe (Getty Images)

Stephen Colbert mocks Donald Trump as he appears to doze off during his criminal trial

Not content to stop there, Colbert also took a playful jab at reports of Trump nodding off during the first day of his hush money trial. Notably, the businessman's spokesperson dismissed them as "fake news." 

Several outlets also claimed that Trump's lead lawyer, Todd Blanche, passed him notes for several minutes before he appeared to wake up and take heed.

Mocking the moment, Colbert mimicked Trump's distinct mannerisms and said, "Oh my God, I was having the most terrible dream, that I had to read something. Oh no, the dream was real. But if it's real then where's the hamburger with b***s?"

Stephen Colbert poked fun at Donald Trump's Gettysburg gaffe (The Late Show with Stephen Colbert/YouTube
Stephen Colbert poked fun at Donald Trump as he appeared to doze off during the first day of his hush money trial (The Late Show with Stephen Colbert/YouTube)

Internet reacts to Stephen Colbert's digs at Donald Trump

One YouTube user wrote, "Trump has no idea what Gettysburg is," and another added, "Trump talking about Gettysburg has serious: 'kid who forgot to do the reading' energy."

A person noted, "Watching the people behind Trump squirm during his 'speech' was priceless!" Someone else expressed, "He had NO idea what actually happened at Gettysburg."

An individual shared, "Trump's Gettysburg ramble reminds me so much of the kids in history class who clearly didn't prepare for their presentations but got up and said whatever came to mind anyway."

"After falling asleep in court today, I think Trump has earned the name Don Snoreleone," quipped a 'The Late Show' viewer. Another person joked, "The “Gettysburg Word Salad”, such a powerful and beautiful and horrific and special and uphill speech!"

A viewer pointed out, "While talking about Gettysburg.The crowd behind him wasn't even paying attention. They're all busy talking to each other."

This article contains remarks made on the Internet by individual people and organizations. MEAWW cannot confirm them independently and does not support claims or opinions being made online.

GET BREAKING U.S. NEWS & POLITICAL UPDATES
STRAIGHT TO YOUR INBOX.

MORE STORIES

The American researcher, who arrived in Afghanistan in the early 2000s, was captured in 2025 and released on March 24.
11 minutes ago
The Vermont Senator calls for fundamental reforms amid an ongoing funding dispute between GOP and Democrats over ICE enforcement practices.
35 minutes ago
Trump noted that despite his efforts, he could not get Queen Elizabeth II to say anything negative about anyone
38 minutes ago
Gavin Newsom made it clear that any decision about a 2028 presidential run isn’t just his call
58 minutes ago
JB Pritzker called for an immediate withdrawal, warning that continued military action could worsen the economy and push the US deeper into recession
1 hour ago
Trump took a moment during Mullin’s swearing-in ceremony to acknowledge the politician’s family in attendance.
2 hours ago
Donald Trump emphasized that all three pilots safely ejected and have since returned to flying duties
3 hours ago
The controversy stemmed from a CNN article citing regional sources who claimed that Iran is reluctant to engage with Steve Witkoff and Jared Kushner
4 hours ago
Emily Gregory defeated Trump-backed GOP candidate Jon Maples in a key Florida race
4 hours ago
Senator Ted Cruz suggested a two-step plan to pass the funding bill
5 hours ago