Stephen Colbert got to break the news that former Presidsent Donald Trump had been indicted by a New York grand jury last night—and the audience went berserk.
Despite Colbert's reluctance to mention the former president's name, he couldn't resist the urge to share this breaking news with his audience.
A smiling Colbert walked onto the stage and announced:
“Just a little something worth celebrating today because literally three minutes before I walked out on this stage here—the New York Times reported a New York grand jury voted to indict former President Donald J. Trump."
The news caused a stir throughout the nation, as Trump has been the subject of an investigation by New York prosecutors for several years regarding a payment made on his behalf to adult film star Stormy Daniels in 2016 to keep quiet about an alleged affair.
While the precise charges are still uncertain, multiple media sources have speculated that Trump may face arraignment as early as next week.
The audience at The Late Show was visibly excited about the news, and they cheered for more than half a minute as Colbert celebrated on stage with a big bowl of ice cream. This reaction is not surprising given the level of scrutiny and controversy surrounding Trump's presidency.
You can watch the moment Colbert announced Trump's indictment below.
\u201cGet out the ice cream and baseball helmets, we\u2019re feeling a little extra American today! #Colbert\u201d— The Late Show (@The Late Show) 1680234000
Others were more than happy to join Colbert in celebrating the news.
\u201c@colbertlateshow AND THE CROWD GOES WILD!\u201d— The Late Show (@The Late Show) 1680234000
\u201c@colbertlateshow @jeffdavis1969 The last time a crowd was that loud, the Beatles were on that stage.\u201d— The Late Show (@The Late Show) 1680234000
\u201c@colbertlateshow So thankful for the breaking news crew!!\u201d— The Late Show (@The Late Show) 1680234000
\u201c@colbertlateshow @Rannt Just the start of ice cream and whipped cream directly from the can!! Next up Georgia and Jack Smith!\u201d— The Late Show (@The Late Show) 1680234000
\u201c@colbertlateshow THE CHEERING WAS GLORIOUS! \ud83d\ude2d\u201d— The Late Show (@The Late Show) 1680234000
\u201c@colbertlateshow I actually am! I might even like a flag soon \ud83e\udd73\u201d— The Late Show (@The Late Show) 1680234000
\u201c@colbertlateshow I think that is the loudest audience cheering I have ever heard on Colbert\u2019s show.\u201d— The Late Show (@The Late Show) 1680234000
\u201c@colbertlateshow It feels even better when you wake up to the reality the next day. I feel lighter than I have in 7 years!\u201d— The Late Show (@The Late Show) 1680234000
Trump has always been a polarizing figure in American politics, and this indictment is unlikely to change that.
In response to the news, Trump called it "political persecution and election interference at the highest level in history." This is consistent with his previous claims that the investigations into his activities are part of a larger political conspiracy against him.
The fact that a grand jury has voted to indict a former president is a significant development in American history. It is a reminder that no one is above the law and that even those in the highest positions of power can be held accountable for their actions.
