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
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

Beyond key policy issues, the midterm campaign featured bizarre surprises and high-profile showdowns, some with lasting consequences
2026-11-02T21:15:01.000Z
During October 25 arguments, the appeals court said that the DOJ lacked Congress's authority to regulate California elections
2026-11-02T20:01:33.000Z
In his strong observation against the case, Judge Zia Faruqui also added that there was nothing but 'weaponization,' and that it has been 'marketing material for people not to join the FBI'
2026-11-02T18:30:08.000Z
President Donald Trump added that he is also weighing preemptive pardons for his close aides and others around him should Democrats pursue investigations
2026-11-02T16:33:22.000Z
Rep Haley Stevens' decision to support Rogers came after days of public tension with El-Sayed, who defeated her in the August Democratic primary
2026-11-02T15:11:39.000Z
Donald Trump returns attention to a project plagued by algae, peeling liners, cost overruns and delays despite his claims that the work is complete
2026-11-02T04:50:44.000Z
'Congresswoman Stevens is not a current member of the Michigan Democratic Party,' Chair Curtis Hertel announced
2026-11-02T04:12:32.000Z
Donald Trump announced farm aid ahead of the November 3 midterms, but its impact on Republican support among rural voters remains uncertain
2026-11-02T04:03:44.000Z
Bernie Sanders compared the alleged effort in Alaska with a GOP-aligned super PAC’s reported spending to boost an independent candidate in Ohio
2026-11-02T03:48:46.000Z
Donald Trump said he could repeatedly veto Democratic-backed bills until lawmakers agree to negotiate with his administration
2026-11-02T02:25:21.000Z