The Daily Show: Ears Edition
Episode: Trump Blasts South Africa for “White Genocide” & Trump Merch Needs a Spell Check | Simon Pegg
Release Date: May 22, 2025
Host: Roy Cheng
Produced by: iHeartPodcasts and Paramount Podcasts

Introduction

In this engaging episode of The Daily Show: Ears Edition, host Roy Cheng and the vibrant news team tackle a series of headline-making topics centered around former President Donald Trump. From his unfounded claims about “white genocide” in South Africa to humorous merchandising mishaps and ambitious defense proposals, the team delivers sharp satire and incisive commentary. The episode also features a special guest appearance by acclaimed actor and comedian Simon Pegg, adding a touch of Hollywood flair to the discourse.

President Trump's Claims of "White Genocide" in South Africa

The episode kicks off with a satirical take on President Trump's recent meeting with the President of South Africa, where Trump bizarrely asserted that a “white genocide” is occurring in the country.

Trump's Statement: "[...] there is a white genocide happening in South Africa." ([02:10])

Roy Cheng mocks the absurdity of the claim, highlighting its lack of factual basis and the improbability of such a scenario:

“It's not even mathematically possible. I mean, you'll never run out of white South Africans when one of them is making 5,000 kids a week.” ([02:16])

Grace Kuhlensmith interjects with dark humor:

“Death, death, death. Horrible.” ([02:05])

The hosts ridicule the empty rhetoric, pointing out the South African President Carter’s ineffective attempt to placate Trump by gifting a hefty golf book:

“What sweet, sweet bribe did you bring him? I brought you a really fantastic golf book.” ([03:00])

The segment underscores Trump's propensity to amplify unfounded fears, presenting them as crises.

Mishap with Trump-Branded Merchandise

Transitioning from international absurdities to domestic blunders, the team delves into a hilarious mistake found in Trump-branded merchandise—a watch mislabeled as “Rump” instead of “Trump.”

Grace Kuhlensmith: “Get your Trump watch right now. Go to gettrumpwatches.com It's Trump time.” ([04:02])

Roy Cheng highlights the glaring error:

“The T is missing. Instead, it should say Trump.” ([04:20])

Charlemagne Tha God and Ronnie T. join in the ridicule, dissecting the implications of such a mistake on the credibility of Trump’s merchandise ventures:

Charlemagne Tha God: “It just says R U N P.” ([04:25])

The hosts explore the potential consequences, humorously suggesting that flawed merchandise reflects poorly on Trump’s business acumen.

“The point is, when Donald Trump sells you something, you gotta be skeptical.” ([04:30])

Trump’s Golden Dome Missile Defense System

Shift gears to discuss Trump’s ambitious yet controversial defense proposal—the Golden Dome—a missile defense system purported to shield the United States from global missile attacks.

Grace Kuhlensmith: “The Golden Dome will be capable of intercepting missiles even if they are launched from space.” ([06:15])

Roy Cheng sarcastically responds to the high cost estimate of $542 billion by the Congressional Budget Office:

“Congress is cutting food stamps, but we're getting a golden dome. Yeah, if you're hungry, maybe you can try eating it.” ([06:30])

Charlemagne Tha God amplifies the skepticism surrounding the feasibility and practicality of the Golden Dome:

“The President has long praised Israel's Iron Dome, which can intercept and destroy short range rockets, missiles and drones.” ([06:43])

Grace Kuhlensmith adds:

“We're going to call it the Golden Dome. We had the Iron Dome, but somehow Golden Dome sounds better to me.” ([06:50])

The hosts critique the strategic value and financial burden of the project, questioning its necessity and effectiveness in real-world scenarios.

“It's incredibly expensive and it doesn't work. But at least we'll have a golden dome that says Trump.” ([07:35])

Republicans and "Daddy Issues" with Trump

A significant portion of the episode focuses on the psychological underpinnings of Republican support for Trump, drawing parallels to paternal relationships and authoritarian dynamics.

Ronnie T.: “Republicans aren't looking for a president, they're looking for a daddy.” ([13:32])

The discussion delves into how Trump's domineering and often abusive behavior mirrors that of an emotionally unavailable father, fostering a loyal yet uncritical base.

“The whole point of a democracy is that the President is not an all-powerful figure who's always right and can never be questioned.” ([13:21])

Charlemagne Tha God humorously exaggerates the lengths to which Trump supporters go to idolize him:

“Thanks to our big, beautiful dome, Americans are finally safe from our enemies. Which means I'm finally free to become an international roast comic.” ([08:29])

The segment further explores the detrimental effects of this dynamic on both political discourse and personal accountability within the party.

“If you see him stepping out of line, accepting bribes from foreign countries, and violating the Constitution, call it out.” ([17:55])

Interview with Simon Pegg

Adding a refreshing change of pace, the episode features an insightful interview with Simon Pegg, renowned for his roles in the Mission Impossible series and the Three Flavors Cornetto Trilogy.

Roy Cheng: “What's tougher, making the movie or doing the press afterwards?” ([21:05])

Simon Pegg shares anecdotes from his early career, including his time at the Edinburgh Fringe Festival and the creation of Shaun of the Dead alongside Edgar Wright. The conversation highlights the challenges of independent filmmaking versus blockbuster productions.

Simon Pegg: “There is no substitute for seeing the actor playing the part doing the crazy stuff...” ([28:01])

The duo delves into the making of Mission Impossible: The Final Reckoning, emphasizing Tom Cruise’s dedication to performing his own stunts.

Simon Pegg: “He's always in character, even when he's hanging off a biplane.” ([28:41])

They discuss the integration of practical effects with modern CGI, underscoring the importance of maintaining character integrity amidst high-octane action sequences.

Roy Cheng: “Mission Impossible on your toilet is just...” ([26:04])

The interview wraps up with reflections on the enduring legacy of the Mission Impossible franchise and its impact on contemporary cinema.

Conclusion

This episode of The Daily Show: Ears Edition masterfully blends political satire with entertainment, offering listeners a comprehensive and humorous critique of Donald Trump’s recent actions and their broader implications. Simultaneously, the insightful interview with Simon Pegg provides a delightful glimpse into the world of filmmaking, balancing the episode’s heavier themes with lighthearted celebrity conversation. Through sharp wit and engaging dialogue, Roy Cheng and the team deliver a compelling narrative that is both informative and entertaining.

Notable Quotes

• Trump's Absurd Claim: “It's not even mathematically possible. I mean, you'll never run out of white South Africans when one of them is making 5,000 kids a week.” ([02:16])

• Merchandise Mishap: “The T is missing. Instead, it should say Trump.” ([04:20])

• Golden Dome Critique: “It's incredibly expensive and it doesn't work. But at least we'll have a golden dome that says Trump.” ([07:35])

• Republican 'Daddy Issues': “Republicans aren't looking for a president, they're looking for a daddy.” ([13:32])

• Simon Pegg on Practical Effects: “There is no substitute for seeing the actor playing the part doing the crazy stuff...” ([28:01])

This detailed summary encapsulates the key discussions, insights, and humorous exchanges from the episode, providing a comprehensive overview for those who haven't listened.