'Smile because you need practice': Stephen Colbert roasts Ron DeSantis after his withdrawal from GOP presidential race

Stephen Colbert said, 'At least DeSantis doesn't have to worry about banning history books anymore, because he won't be in them'
In the latest episode of 'The Late Show,' Stephen Colbert humorously addressed Florida Governor Ron DeSantis' withdrawal from the GOP presidential race (The Late Show with Stephen Colbert)
In the latest episode of 'The Late Show,' Stephen Colbert humorously addressed Florida Governor Ron DeSantis' withdrawal from the GOP presidential race (The Late Show with Stephen Colbert)

LOS ANGELES, CALIFORNIA: In the latest episode of 'The Late Show' on Monday, Stephen Colbert aimed the recent withdrawal of Florida Governor Ron DeSantis from the GOP presidential primary race, infusing his commentary with his signature humor.

Colbert kicked off the jesting by noting DeSantis' failed political ambitions, quipping, "At least DeSantis doesn't have to worry about banning history books anymore, because he won't be in them."

Stephen Colbert takes a satirical swipe at Ron Desantis' misfortune

The comedian then extended mock sympathy to DeSantis, advising him to smile and practice, given his political misfortune, "Ron, don't cry because it's over. Smile because you need practice smiling."

Colbert sarcastically questioned why Americans didn't rally behind DeSantis, listing controversial actions such as declaring war on the Magic Kingdom, attacking transgender kids, denying Covid, and engaging in peculiar behaviors like kidnapping migrants and eating pudding with his fingers.

In a humorous aside, Colbert referred to finger pudding as a delicacy, punctuating it with a playful vomiting noise.

DeSantis' faux Churchill quote and the Budweiser ad blunder

The late-night host turned his attention to a video where DeSantis announced his decision, seizing the opportunity to poke fun at the governor's attributed Winston Churchill quote, "Churchill once remarked that Success is not final. Failure is not fatal. It is the courage to continue that counts."

Colbert interjected after the clip, pointing out the misattribution: "Just one small problem: Churchill never said that. It's from an old Budweiser ad."

Colbert couldn't resist another playful reference, quipping, "Reminds me of that other famous Churchill quote: Wazzzzzzup."

He then characterized DeSantis' political journey as one of the most spectacular crash-and-burns in history: "At least DeSantis doesn't have to worry about banning history books anymore because he won't be in them."

Donald Trump's merciless mockery and Ron DeSantis' 'Tiny D' endorsement

Delving into recent campaign moments, Colbert highlighted DeSantis' history of being ruthlessly mocked by Donald Trump. The late-night host recapped the personal attacks Trump unleashed on DeSantis, ranging from allegations of partying with high school girls to accusations of voter fraud by his wife.

Colbert wryly observed, "Of course, after those kinds of assaults on your dignity, on your manhood, to your family, things so vicious you could never take back, naturally, when DeSantis dropped out he did what anyone with a shred of self-respect would do," followed by footage of DeSantis endorsing Trump.



 

Colbert cheekily concluded, "Oh, I get it. 'Tiny D.' Because he's got such a small... amount of dignity," accompanied by a visual gesture pinching his fingers together, playfully alluding to DeSantis' alleged lack of dignity.

Fans react to Ron Desantis' exit

Users on social media didn't hold back as they shared their thoughts on Ron DeSantis ending his presidential campaign.

One user wrote, "How can Pudding Ron justify terminating his presidential campaign. He should be forced to carry to full term. It did last more than six weeks after all."

Another added, "Of course when Trump accuses DeSantis of partying with highschool girls, it's the purest form of "every accusation is a confession."

One commented, "DeSantis quoting Bud Lite on the way out is such perfection… we think even Churchill would approve! 🇺🇸"

One replied, "DeSantis quoting Budweiser was no accident. Well done to the speechwriter (who was going to lose the job anyway)."

This article contains remarks made on the Internet by individual people and organizations. MEAWW cannot confirm them independently and does not support claims or opinions being made online.

GET BREAKING U.S. NEWS & POLITICAL UPDATES
STRAIGHT TO YOUR INBOX.

MORE STORIES

Greene alleged she was asked to step back from related efforts and claimed a government shutdown was used to block a House vote on the issue, though this remains unverified.
5 hours ago
The ranking Democrat on the Senate Armed Services Committee, Jack Reed, said that he believes that the US is in a much ‘worse position with Iran’ since the war started
6 hours ago
Former FBI director James Comey was indicted over a 2025 post showing seashells reading '86 47,' slang allegedly referring to Donald Trump
7 hours ago
Donald Trump said elections must follow the Constitution, even if voting happens twice, and urged states to follow SCOTUS rulings over convenience
8 hours ago
The House minority leader also hit back at the POTUS for calling him out
8 hours ago
After attacks in the strait, Trump warned 20,000 stranded seafarers face worsening conditions, with crews running low on food and essential supplies
9 hours ago
Trump confirms via Truth Social that Rudy Giuliani has been hospitalized in critical condition
10 hours ago
Kash Patel said the bureau expanded domestic security, adding missions targeting politically motivated violence and homegrown extremism
15 hours ago
Adam Schiff cited Libya under Barack Obama, saying he opposed action without Congress then and called it an 'even bigger mistake now'
15 hours ago
Remark follows Donald Trump signing bill ending 76-day DHS shutdown
16 hours ago