John Oliver exposes Donald Trump's 'cash grab' tactics in run up to 2024 election on 'Last Week Tonight'

John Oliver criticized Trump for exploiting his image through merchandise sales, including a mugshot-themed t-shirt and various other products
PUBLISHED APR 1, 2024
John Oliver dissected Donald Trump's ongoing pursuit of profit, labeling it as a 'cash grab' (Last Week Tonight/Getty Images)
John Oliver dissected Donald Trump's ongoing pursuit of profit, labeling it as a 'cash grab' (Last Week Tonight/Getty Images)

LOS ANGELES, CALIFORNIA: On the latest episode of 'Last Week Tonight,' John Oliver took aim at former President Donald Trump's latest antics, warning viewers about what he dubbed as his "cash grab" schemes in the run up to the election in November.

Oliver minced no words in his critique of Trump's actions, highlighting how the ex-president has been leveraging his notoriety to solicit funds from his supporters, ostensibly to cover his legal battles and other expenses associated with his political aspirations.

"This year, more than ever, everything Trump does is going to be a cash grab," remarked Oliver during the HBO late-night show.

Trump's merchandise selling spree

The British comedian delved into the array of merchandise Trump has been peddling, including a t-shirt bearing his mugshot with the caption "Not Guilty," which Oliver characterized as emblematic of Trump's attempt to monetize his controversial image.

Trump's fundraising tactics, Oliver suggested, were akin to "begging strangers for money in a hostage video that looks like it was filmed in a house haunted by the world’s tackiest ghosts."

"Not stopping at t-shirts, Trump's entrepreneurial endeavors extended to selling a range of products including a Bible, cologne, sneakers, and even a mini speaker featuring a cartoon likeness of himself," Oliver elaborated.

Oliver also pointed out the recent public offering of Truth Social, a digital platform associated with Trump, which saw a surge in valuation thanks to his loyal base of supporters purchasing stock.

John Oliver takes on food delivery app and LGBTQ+ representation

Transitioning to the night's main segment, Oliver shifted his focus to food delivery service apps, taking a swipe at Uber Eats for its recent Super Bowl commercial featuring Sean "Diddy" Combs.

The comedian didn't miss the opportunity to highlight the irony of Uber Eats' advertisement of Combs amidst allegations against the rapper that had surfaced that week.

In another segment, Oliver critiqued a Postmates ad targeting the LGBTQ+ community, which used imagery of an eggplant and a peach to symbolize parts of the human anatomy.

Drawing a humorous parallel, Oliver referenced a scene from the 2017 film 'Call Me By Your Name,' where actor Timothée Chalamet's character engages in a memorable act involving a peach.

"By the way, it is good to see the peach from 'Call Me By Your Name' staying booked and busy — gay parts should go to gay actors," quipped Oliver, injecting his trademark wit into the commentary.

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

MORE STORIES

Judges Gregory Katsas and Neomi Rao said that the policy reflected military judgment and constitutional precedent
14 hours ago
The measures will restrict ICE actions at schools, hospitals, and courthouses, while expanding privacy safeguards and legal avenues for migrants
16 hours ago
Jeff Merkley and Catherine Cortez Masto introduced the 'Change Corruption Act', which sought to ban living presidents from appearing on US currency
17 hours ago
The 85,000 visas revoked in 2025 is more than twice the number of those that were canceled last year
1 day ago
Crockett said: 'Now, there are those who say, ‘Ain’t no way, we done tried this 50 kinds of ways.’ Let me be clear: Y’all ain’t never tried it the JC way.'
1 day ago
Donald Trump’s aid program, aimed at stabilizing agriculture, includes $11 billion in one‑time USDA payments to help growers facing rising costs
1 day ago
Republicans are divided as the ACA subsidy deadline nears, with millions at risk of higher premiums if subsidies expire
1 day ago
Donald Trump advanced a nationwide AI rulebook seeking to override state laws, a move that has fueled legal uncertainty and deepened party divisions
1 day ago
Congress unveiled a $901 billion National Defense Authorization Act that set Pentagon priorities for 2026 by balancing both House and Senate demands
1 day ago
Seth Moulton’s comments come as Democrat lawmakers continue hammering the administration over its handling of the drug boat strikes
2 days ago