John Oliver Reflects on Trump’s Surprising Victory: A Week of Grief, Anger, and the Search for Hope
In a candid and emotionally charged episode of “Last Week Tonight,” John Oliver addressed the aftermath of Donald Trump’s unexpected re-election as president, a result that left many Americans reeling. “It has been a rough week,” Oliver stated, capturing the sentiments of countless viewers who had hoped for a different outcome. As Trump prepares to take office for a second term on January 20, Oliver’s commentary offered a mix of humor, frustration, and a call to action for those grappling with the implications of this political shift.
Oliver opened the segment by playing a clip from Trump’s victory speech, which was as bewildering as it was characteristic. Trump, in his usual rambling style, proclaimed, “We overcame obstacles that nobody thought possible,” before questioning the very reality of his win. Oliver quipped, “Yeah, it is crazy,” emphasizing the absurdity of a president who seems to be grappling with disbelief at his own success. He likened Trump’s speech to that of a best man at a wedding who forgot he had to give a toast, highlighting the chaotic nature of the moment.
As the dust settled, Oliver turned his attention to the blame game that often follows such elections. With Kamala Harris’s loss still fresh, he noted that fingers were being pointed in all directions—from Latino voters to young men and even Joe Rogan. “You can basically play your own ‘wheel of blame’,” he joked, acknowledging the human tendency to seek scapegoats in times of disappointment. He humorously suggested that Katy Perry’s performance at Harris’s final rally might be to blame, calling it a “drunk bachelorette karaoke night performance” of Whitney Houston’s classic.
While some attributed Trump’s victory to economic concerns, Oliver pointed out the underlying issues that often go unaddressed. “It is not news that Trump’s overt white supremacy and misogyny appeal to many of his voters,” he said, suggesting that many supporters mask their true motivations with claims of economic anxiety. He argued that the denial surrounding Trump’s intentions allows people to selectively interpret his actions, creating a version of him that suits their narrative.
Looking ahead, Oliver presented a grim picture of Trump’s potential second term, showcasing a chart of possible appointees that he described as a “choose your fighter screen” for a morally questionable administration. “It looks like an advent calendar where every circle opens up to a tiny piece of literal shit,” he quipped, capturing the dismay many feel about the future.
As he wrapped up the segment, Oliver acknowledged the emotional toll of the election results. “If you are watching this right now and thinking, ‘You know what, I’m not actually ready for this either,’ I totally get it,” he said, validating the feelings of anger, despair, and confusion that many viewers were experiencing. He reflected on the shared grief of those who had mobilized to prevent Trump’s return, emphasizing that there is no right way to react to such news.
Oliver’s message was clear: while despair is a natural response, it’s essential to find small victories to hold onto. He pointed to positive developments, such as Delaware’s election of the first openly trans member to the U.S. House and the rollback of abortion bans in several states, as glimmers of hope amidst the darkness. “You might well be exhausted, confused, scared and running on fucking fumes right now,” he concluded, encouraging viewers to keep pushing forward, even when the path seems daunting.
In a world where political landscapes can shift dramatically, Oliver’s blend of humor and heartfelt reflection serves as a reminder that while the road ahead may be challenging, there is still room for resilience and hope.
