Full Breakdown
Late-Night Hosts Praise Trump for Gaza Peace Deal
10/15/2025, 1:13:30 AM
A Historic Ceasefire and Hostage Release
On October 13, 2025, late-night television hosts Jimmy Kimmel and Stephen Colbert offered rare praise to President Donald Trump for his role in brokering a significant peace deal between Israel and Hamas. This agreement led to the release of all 20 living Israeli hostages held by Hamas since the October 7 attacks, as well as nearly 2,000 Palestinian prisoners. Kimmel remarked, “What a day for Donald Trump. You know what? He finally did something positive today, and I want to give him credit for it, because I know he’s not the type to take credit for himself.” Both hosts acknowledged that while the ceasefire marks the beginning of a complex process, Trump deserves recognition for facilitating this diplomatic breakthrough.
Context of the Peace Deal
The peace deal, which includes a 20-point plan aimed at ending the ongoing conflict and rebuilding Gaza, was celebrated by various political figures, including Hillary Clinton, who commended Trump and regional Arab leaders for their commitment. The deal was signed in Sharm el-Sheik, with Trump, Egyptian President Abdel Fattah el-Sisi, Emir of Qatar Tamim bin Hamad Al Thani, and Turkish President Recep Tayyip Erdogan present. The release of hostages and prisoners was seen as a pivotal moment in Middle Eastern diplomacy.
Humor Amid Praise
Despite their commendations, both Kimmel and Colbert infused their monologues with humor and critiques of Trump’s other policies. Kimmel joked about Trump’s aspirations for the Nobel Peace Prize, suggesting he should be awarded a “Nobel Reopen the Government and Leave Healthcare Alone Prize.” Colbert echoed this sentiment, humorously questioning, “Are we still canceled?” in reference to his show’s impending end, which some speculate was influenced by political pressures.
Criticism of Domestic Policies
While acknowledging Trump’s achievement in the Middle East, both hosts did not shy away from criticizing his domestic actions. Colbert pointed out the irony of Trump seeking peace abroad while simultaneously deploying National Guard troops to cities like Chicago, where he expressed concern over increased ICE activity and civil rights violations. Kimmel also referenced Trump’s controversial decisions regarding federal troop deployments in U.S. cities, quipping, “Now maybe you can not invade Portland.”
Official Statements and Responses
In the wake of the peace deal, various political figures, including Democrats and media commentators, have recognized Trump’s role. The White House communications director, Steven Chung, stated, “President Trump will continue making peace deals, ending wars, and saving lives. He has the heart of a humanitarian.” This sentiment reflects a broader acknowledgment of the complexities surrounding Trump’s foreign policy achievements, despite ongoing domestic controversies.
Conclusion
The praise from Kimmel and Colbert highlights a rare moment of bipartisan acknowledgment in a highly polarized political landscape. While both hosts remain critical of Trump’s broader policies, their recognition of his role in the Gaza peace deal underscores the significance of this diplomatic achievement in the context of ongoing Middle Eastern conflicts.
