Robert De Niro jokes about Trump-Epstein files on Stephen Colbert's show, talks about 'numbers'

LOS ANGELES, CALIFORNIA: Stephen Colbert’s late-night show entered its final stretch with a familiar segment returning to the spotlight. On Wednesday night, May 20, Colbert brought back “The Colbert Questionnaire,” where celebrity guests ask him questions while he sits on the guest couch.

The format quickly turned into a loose, conversational exchange, but it was Robert De Niro appearance that shifted the tone toward a more pointed moment involving politics and public figures.

Colbert questionnaire segment returns in final week of ‘The Late Show’

The revived segment brought a rotating lineup of guests who took turns questioning Colbert. During the game, De Niro asked him, “What number were you thinking of?”

Colbert explained the setup and referenced previous guests who had correctly guessed the number, including Meryl Streep and Ethan Hawke. He added that Hawke quickly figured it out, saying, “‘I know what it is. It’s three.’ That’s the number I was thinking of.”

The light exchange set up a playful rhythm in the studio before De Niro steered the moment in a different direction. 

Robert De Niro makes Trump Epstein files remark during segment

De Niro responded with a pointed comment, saying, “OK,” he replied. “Because I thought it would have been two million point five, or two and a half million. That’s the number of Epstein files Trump still hasn’t released,” as per Variety.

The remark drew loud applause from the studio audience, while Colbert reacted with a smile, keeping the tone of the segment relaxed and conversational.

De Niro, who has often spoken publicly about political issues, delivered the line within the structure of the comedic questionnaire format, which allowed the exchange to remain part of the show’s playful setup.

‘The Late Show with Stephen Colbert’ moves toward its final episodes

‘The Late Show with Stephen Colbert’ is now approaching its final episodes after CBS confirmed its cancellation in 2025, citing financial considerations. The show is set to conclude in 2026, marking the end of Colbert’s long-running late-night tenure.

As the final week unfolds, Colbert has also spoken about shifting focus toward personal milestones, including his son’s college graduation and a family wedding.

“I’m glad a lot of the week is not about me,” Colbert said. “It’s about the people I love more.”

He also reflected on the show’s broader purpose, adding, “I hope they laughed. I hope they felt better at the end of the day… and I hope it made their day better,” underscoring the show’s role in closing out viewers’ nights on a lighter note.