The Daily Show: Ears Edition

Episode: Trump Attacks CNN's Kaitlan Collins Over Epstein Q & Renovates D.C. in His Image | Ms. Pat
Date: February 5, 2026
Host: Michael Costa
Guests: Grace Kuhlenschmidt, Ms. Pat

Episode Overview

This episode of The Daily Show riffs on current events with signature satire and wit. The focus is President Trump’s attack on CNN’s Kaitlan Collins over her Epstein-related questions, his flamboyant plans to redesign Washington, D.C. with extravagant new monuments, and a feature interview with comedian Ms. Pat, creator and star of the acclaimed “Ms. Pat Show.” Using sharp monologues, on-the-ground field reporting, and a comedic biographical segment on Gavin Newsom, the show deconstructs the intersection of politics, power, celebrity, and pop culture.

Key Discussion Points

1. Trump’s Deflection from Epstein Questions

• Trump is launching yet another “America is Back” merch push, met with skepticism by the hosts.
• CNN’s Kaitlan Collins presses Trump about the redacted Epstein documents, referencing survivors’ anger at the lack of transparency.
  • Michael Costa mocks Trump’s deflection and inappropriate response urging Collins to “smile,” calling out the optics of belittling a female reporter asking about sex-trafficking.

    "I don't know if there's ever a time to tell a reporter to smile, but I'm almost positive it's not when she's asking you about sex trafficking victims." — Michael Costa (03:04)

• Jokes riff on Trump’s tendency to dodge questions about his connection to the Epstein investigation.

2. Presidential Overhaul of Washington, D.C.

• Trump’s grandiose architectural ambitions are dissected through satire, including:
  • A 250-foot “giant arch” modeled on the Arc de Triomphe.

    “Trump is building Washington, DC’s hottest suicide destination.” — Michael Costa (04:37)

  • The Kennedy Center’s two-year closure for another renovation, after Trump purges the board and names himself Chairman.
  • An absurd rendering for a $400 million White House ballroom.
  • Fantastical proposals, including a small Trump statue on Lincoln’s lap and a second dome on the Capitol “because, you know, boobies.”
• These projects are lampooned as a mode of marking territory and a metaphor for Trump’s legacy obsession.
  • Grace Kuhlenschmidt: “Donald Trump is just like a dog. Specifically, one of those dogs that got too inbred and now has all these weird health problems. Like, I didn’t even know a dog could get cankles.” (09:36)

3. Satirical Field Reporting with Grace Kuhlenschmidt

• Reporting from D.C., Grace speculates about the endless wave of Trump-branded constructions.
  • Grace Kuhlenschmidt: “Because he’s a good boy. He is president good boy. And that’s his spot. And that’s his spot.” (10:08)

4. Daily Showography: Gavin Newsom

• A tongue-in-cheek documentary segment follows the career arc of California Governor Gavin Newsom.
  • Nepo baby origins mixed with tales of humble beginnings.
  • Landmark achievements (and failures) in homelessness, high-speed rail, early support for gay marriage.
  • Scandals: divorce from Kimberly Guilfoyle, rumors of alcohol abuse and infidelity, “French Laundry” COVID-19 blunder.
  • Surviving a recall, angling for the presidency, and Twitter beefing with Trump.

    "We need to change the conversation. And that's why I'm launching a new podcast." — Michael Costa as Newsom (18:53)

  • The sketch positions Newsom as a “Christian Bale type,” ready for Hollywood and national office.

5. Interview: Ms. Pat

• Ms. Pat discusses the journey and ethos behind her acclaimed sitcom, “The Ms. Pat Show.”
  • Comedy rooted in truth, refusing TV’s “cookie cutter” approach.
  • Tackling real issues: immigration, LGBTQ topics, family abuse—with humor and candor.

    “Networks are so scared today to tell the truth... All of us is from somewhere else. This is nobody country.” — Ms. Pat (23:39)

  • She recounts the censorship struggles:

    “We started out at Fox. Fox sold out to Hulu. And I said the N word. And Hulu said, hell, no, and dropped the show. And BET said, well, come on over here, black people. We’ll let you be black.” (25:36)

  • Ms. Pat’s path from last comic standing, surviving violence and trauma, to comedic success.

    “I just tell people, believe in yourself. Nobody’s gonna believe in you like you believe in yourself.” — Ms. Pat (29:22)

  • On prepping for political unrest: stockpiling supplies, buying gas masks (“the kids can use towels”).
  • Advice to young fans: Own your story, persist, and self-belief.

Memorable Quotes & Moments

• Costa on Trump’s Merch:
  “It’s bad enough they release hats as often as iPhone updates, but it doesn’t even look like Trump’s heart is in this one.” (00:59)

• On the Arch:
  “Get excited, people. Trump is building Washington, DC’s hottest suicide destination.” — Michael Costa (04:37)

• On Marking Territory:
  “Mark his territory? You’re making him sound like a dog.”
  “Yes, exactly.” — Costa & Kuhlenschmidt (09:33-09:36)

• On Ms. Pat Show’s Realness:
  “The networks are so scared today to tell the truth. And I. You know, immigrants are in my neighborhood. Be honest. All of us is from somewhere else. This is nobody country.” — Ms. Pat (23:39)

• Ms. Pat on Network Hurdles:
  “BET said, well, come on over here, black people. We’ll let you be black.” (25:36)

• Personal Resilience:
  “Believe in yourself. Cause nobody’s gonna believe in you like you believe in yourself.”— Ms. Pat (29:22)

Notable Timestamps

• 00:10 – Episode launch, Michael Costa’s opening monologue on “America is back” and raspberry inflation
• 01:58-03:26 – Trump dodges Epstein survivor questions, tells Kaitlan Collins to smile
• 03:47-05:46 – Discussion of Trump’s “giant arch” and other D.C. building projects
• 06:24-07:54 – Kennedy Center closures and more Trump renovations
• 08:37-10:31 – Grace Kuhlenschmidt satirical field report on Trump “marking his territory” across D.C.
• 11:59-19:44 – “Daily Showography” of Gavin Newsom, covering his life, scandals, and hypothetical future
• 22:11-30:22 – In-depth, hilarious, and moving interview with Ms. Pat
• 29:22 – Ms. Pat’s advice to young people
• 31:56 – “Moment of ZAM:” DOJ attorney admits the system for processing immigration cases “sucks”

Tone & Comedic Style

Throughout the episode, Michael Costa, Grace Kuhlenschmidt, and guests deliver rapid-fire jokes, biting satire, political commentary, and a blend of irreverent and heartfelt humor. The show skewers both politicians and the culture industry, always circling back to the human element, as exemplified in Ms. Pat’s segment.

Conclusion

This episode skewers Trump’s distraction tactics and self-aggrandizement, lampoons Gavin Newsom’s political trajectory, and celebrates Ms. Pat’s unfiltered comedic force. With sharp insights into media, politics, and entertainment, The Daily Show uses its platform to expose absurdity, champion authenticity, and keep listeners laughing and thinking.