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.

MORE STORIES

The House voted 426-0 to repeal the controversial provision that had been quietly added by Senate Republicans to the government funding bill
47 minutes ago
Clay Higgins added he would support the bill only if the Senate amended it to better protect victims and uninvolved Americans
1 day ago
A three-judge panel ordered Texas to use the 2021 map for 2026, dealing a major setback to President Donald Trump and Republican redistricting plans
1 day ago
Near-unanimous vote followed pressure campaign from Democrats and dissident Republicans as Mike Johnson urged the Senate to fix 'serious deficiencies'
1 day ago
Mike Johnson backed the Epstein bill but warned of 'deficiencies' that he said the Senate must fix, as these flaws could expose sensitive materials
1 day ago
The DOJ sued California over new mask and ID laws for federal agents, arguing they violate the Supremacy Clause and endanger officers
2 days ago
Rae Huang slammed Mayor Karen Bass for her handling of homelessness and recent political violence, calling her own campaign a 'moment for change'
2 days ago
Donald Trump said holiday shoppers were seeing better deals, claiming Walmart’s Thanksgiving meal costs were about 25% lower than under Joe Biden
2 days ago
JD Vance says '30 million illegal immigrants' flooded the country under Joe Biden and drove up housing costs
5 days ago
Federal workers are finally relieved and national parks can reopen, but the Trump administration went a step further than taking a humble victory lap
6 days ago