Jon Stewart Emphasizes the Authoritarian Characteristics Displayed by Trump


Jon Stewart has had plenty of material for mocking Donald Trump and his administration recently — from events such as the administration revealing its own military strategies to playing a part in a stock market plunge.

In Monday’s episode of The Daily Show, Stewart changed his focus to analyze Trump’s overarching style of leadership in a segment called “How authoritarian is we?”

“Trump’s already ticked off many of the usual boxes,” Stewart pointed out. “He’s targeted the free press, detained individuals without just cause, coerced law firms and universities into compliance, and even initiated investigations by the Department of Justice against someone whose only crime was supporting the legitimacy of the 2020 election.”

From that point, Stewart deepened the discussion, pointing out everything from Trump’s penchant for extravagant decor — featuring a clip of him proudly showcasing gold angel statues in the Oval Office — to the obsequious actions of those in his close circle, demonstrated by footage of cabinet members lavishing him with over-the-top compliments.

And as Stewart emphasized, the compilation of authoritarian warning signs only keeps expanding.