The Daily Show: Ears Edition Episode: Trump Hits Les Mis, Elon Repents & RFK Jr. Infects CDC’s Vaccine Committee | Jeff Hiller
Release Date: June 13, 2025
Host: Desi Lydic
Guests: Jeff Hiller

1. RFK Jr. and the CDC Vaccine Advisory Committee

Timestamp: 00:35 – 01:46

Desi Lydic opens the episode by addressing the controversial actions of Robert F. Kennedy Jr., the Secretary of Health, who recently dismissed all 17 members of the CDC's vaccine advisory committee. This abrupt move has raised alarms among those concerned about vaccine safety and public health.

Notable Quote:
Desi Lydic (01:00): “RFK Jr is the only member of Trump's cabinet to be reheated in an air fryer.”

The discussion highlights RFK Jr.’s appointment of new members, including infamous vaccine critics like Dr. Robert Malone, who has propagated unfounded claims linking COVID-19 vaccines to severe diseases.

Notable Quote:
Josh Johnson (01:46): “Robert Malone … has suggested those vaccines cause a form of AIDS.”

Lydic uses humor to underscore the absurdity of the situation, poking fun at the conspiracy theories surrounding vaccines during the pandemic.

2. Tulsi Gabbard and the Use of AI in Declassifying Documents

Timestamp: 01:46 – 03:38

The conversation transitions to Tulsi Gabbard, the Director of National Intelligence, who has introduced artificial intelligence to expedite the declassification of government documents, including those related to the assassination of President John F. Kennedy.

Notable Quote:
Josh Johnson (02:46): “Tulsi Gabbard … says the government is now using artificial intelligence to speed up its work in determining which documents can be declassified and released to the public.”

Lydic humorously criticizes the reliance on AI for handling sensitive and historically significant documents, suggesting that such technology might not grasp the gravity of the information.

Notable Quote:
Desi Lydic (03:03): “It's like asking AI to watch all the sex scenes in a porno so you can focus on whether the pizza got delivered.”

3. Pete Hegseth and Defense Department Budget Cuts

Timestamp: 03:38 – 06:07

Desi shifts focus to Pete Hegseth, the Secretary of Defense, who has been cutting medical research programs for veterans, labeling them as "boondoggles." When challenged by Senator Dick Durbin, Hegseth provided a bizarre example involving marbles in cats' rear ends, highlighting the absurdity of some budget cut justifications.

Notable Quote:
Jordan Klepper (04:03): “There are more… marbles in the rear ends of cats, tens of millions of dollars.”

Lydic uses this example to mock the Trump administration's approach to science and research, emphasizing the importance of legitimate scientific funding.

Notable Quote:
Desi Lydic (04:24): “Trying to make dogs salivate by ringing a bell sounds weird, but it proved an important part.”

4. Elon Musk's Apology to Donald Trump

Timestamp: 06:07 – 07:21

Elon Musk issued an apology to Donald Trump for his recent online attacks, admitting that his comments had "gone too far." Lydic parodies Musk's apology, questioning the sincerity and substance behind it.

Notable Quote:
Elon Musk (06:21): “I regret some of my posts about President Trump last week. They went too far.”

Notable Quote:
Desi Lydic (06:36): “You cannot whoopsy Daisy your way out of saying, someone's in the Epstein files.”

5. President Trump Attends Les Misérables at the Kennedy Center

Timestamp: 07:21 – 09:56

The episode humorously covers President Trump's decision to attend a performance of "Les Misérables" at the Kennedy Center. The hosts compare Trump to characters from the musical, debating whether he aligns more with Jean Valjean or Javert, adding a satirical twist to political discourse.

Notable Quote:
Desi Lydic (07:21): “Do you identify more with Jean Valjean or Javert? That's a tough one.”

Notable Quote:
Jordan Klepper (09:01): “I have spewed an opinion on over 45,000 issues in my career.”

6. Nationwide Protests Against Trump’s Policies

Timestamp: 09:56 – 11:35

The show delves into the nationwide protests sparked by Trump’s recent policies, including military actions in California and changes to Medicaid. Correspondents Michael Costa in Los Angeles and Jordan Klepper in D.C. provide on-the-ground insights into the unrest and public sentiment.

Notable Quote:
Josh Johnson (08:06): “Detention raids are a cruel display of Trump's villainy. He's definitely the Thenardier of our time.”

Notable Quote:
Jordan Klepper (08:32): “The protesters see Trump as a godless con artist, much like Thenardier, the corrupt innkeeper.”

7. Satirical Segment on Stephen A. Smith

Timestamp: 12:23 – 18:59

A satirical portrayal of sports commentator Stephen A. Smith is featured, mocking his "hot takes" and debating his hypothetical presidential run. The hosts exaggerate Smith’s persona to highlight the triviality of certain media personalities in shaping public opinion.

Notable Quote:
Desi Lydic (17:48): “Stephen A. Smith, who is floating a potential 2028 presidential run. There is somebody else that's thinking of running President Stephen A. Smith.”

Notable Quote:
Michael Costa (18:12): “Does anyone really think a loudmouth TV personality with endless opinions, no qualifications and a bad hairline would be a plausible candidate for President of the United States?”

8. Guest Interview: Jeff Hiller on "Actress of a Certain Age"

Timestamp: 19:20 – 30:41

In a heartfelt and humorous interview, comedian and author Jeff Hiller discusses his new memoir, "Actress of a Certain Age." The conversation delves into his personal experiences, including growing up as a queer individual in the Midwest, battling bullying, and finding solace in community and family support.

Notable Quote:
Jeff Hiller (20:11): “I would just say, I'm sorry and we got your back.”

Notable Quote:
Desi Lydic (25:32): “What would you say to those 22-year-old younger Jeffs that are out there struggling with that in say, Texas or other parts of the country?”

Notable Quote:
Jeff Hiller (25:57): “We’re in Pride month and it’s a time to celebrate, but it’s also a time to protest and a time to gather together and lead with compassion and hope.”

Hiller shares anecdotes from his book, including humorous takes on celebrity memoirs and his own journey in the acting world. The interview emphasizes themes of resilience, self-acceptance, and the importance of supportive relationships.

Notable Quote:
Jeff Hiller (21:09): “Every great broadcaster in history has had….”

Notable Quote:
Desi Lydic (24:57): “Thank God for good moms out there.”

9. Closing Remarks and Final Promotions

Timestamp: 30:41 – 31:41

Desi Lydic wraps up the episode by promoting Jeff Hiller’s memoir and encouraging listeners to engage with "The Daily Show" across various platforms. The closing includes a brief recap of the episode’s highlights and teasers for upcoming content.

Notable Quote:
Desi Lydic (30:26): “You deserve it. Actress of a Certain Age is available now.”

Conclusion

This episode of The Daily Show: Ears Edition masterfully blends sharp political satire with heartfelt personal stories. From critiquing controversial political decisions and media personalities to celebrating individual resilience through Jeff Hiller’s memoir, the hosts deliver a rich and engaging narrative. Notable for its witty humor and insightful commentary, the episode provides listeners with both entertainment and thoughtful reflections on current events and personal growth.

Note: All timestamps are approximate and based on the provided transcript for reference.