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

Bill Clinton also said he lacked enough knowledge about Jeffrey Epstein to volunteer any information to law enforcement
6 minutes ago
'I'll be 80 years old if I live to my next birthday. I don't remember everything that happened 24 years ago,' Bill Clinton said during his deposition
36 minutes ago
Donald Trump said the military campaign is going 'very well' and called the US armed forces 'the greatest military in the world'
50 minutes ago
Hillary Clinton’s lawyer accused James Comer’s committee of rule violations over a photo leak, calling it unfair
1 hour ago
Trump praises White House renovations, calling new ballroom building ‘very, very beautiful’
5 hours ago
Trump said the campaign was ahead of schedule but that US forces were prepared to operate longer if objectives required sustained military pressure
6 hours ago
Trump suggested that Keir Starmer was worried about the legality of allowing US forces to operate from British bases during escalating tensions
6 hours ago
Federal court denies 90-day delay, paving way for businesses to reclaim billions after IEEPA ruling
6 hours ago
Days before Iran strikes, Trump floated idea of a 'friendly takeover' of Cuba to reporters
6 hours ago
President calls campaign ‘last best chance,’ says war could last weeks or longer
8 hours ago