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

Rep Carlos Gimenez said most House Republicans were team players frustrated by a small minority that repeatedly blocked legislation
15 minutes ago
President Trump's account marked a notable diplomatic development as the US sought to curb Iran tensions amid China and Russia's ties with Tehran
39 minutes ago
Mitch McConnell's latest hospitalization follows years of health concerns, including freezes in 2023 and multiple falls causing injuries through 2025
51 minutes ago
The House's budget resolution marks a first step toward a reconciliation bill that would fund defense, intelligence, farm aid, and election integrity
1 hour ago
The letter also cited Trump allies linked to the Tate brothers, including Paolo Zampolli and former Tate lawyer Paul Ingrassia
1 hour ago
The accusations follow backlash over JD Vance's remarks on the Joe Rogan podcast, as supporters say the criticism is coordinated, not routine
2 hours ago
Charles Kushner said his decision was motivated less by Zohran Mamdani's socialist policies than by concerns over his stance on Jews and Israel
9 hours ago
Rep Thomas Massie challenged the Pentagon's casualty reporting and questioned the legality of continued Iran operations under Pete Hegseth
11 hours ago
The White House said the measures are aimed at addressing forced labor concerns in global supply chains
11 hours ago
Rep Josh Gottheimer criticized Zohran Mamdani’s policy positions and warned that progressive activists are moving the party away from its roots
11 hours ago