The Late Show Pod Show with Stephen Colbert: Jake Tapper | Jerk Of All Trades

Release Date: March 6, 2025
Host: Stephen Colbert
Guest: Jake Tapper, Journalist and CNN Anchor
Podcast Platform: CBS

Introduction

In this engaging episode of The Late Show Pod Show with Stephen Colbert, host Stephen Colbert welcomes CNN’s Jake Tapper back to the show. The conversation spans a variety of topics, including recent economic policies, the intricacies of media coverage, and personal anecdotes about backyard chickens.

Discussion on Economic Tariffs and Trump's Trade Policies

The episode opens with a humorous exchange about selling cars to Carvana, setting a lighthearted tone before delving into more serious topics. Stephen Colbert transitions into discussing President Donald Trump's recent address to Congress, focusing on the 25% tariffs imposed on Canada and Mexico.

Key Points:

• Tariffs' Impact: Colbert humorously likens tariffs to trading Dunkaroos for an apple, emphasizing their negative economic implications. He highlights how these tariffs are expected to raise prices on everyday items like Mexican tequila and avocados, culminating in increased costs for guacamole ingredients.

• Economic Consequences: The tariffs are portrayed as a gamble that could potentially disrupt various industries, notably the auto sector. Colbert cites an example from Fox Business where a Dodge Ram's price surged from $80,000 to $100,000, suggesting that such hikes could lead to a collapse in the auto industry and broader economic instability.

• Government Response: Colbert references Howard Lutnick, Trump's Commerce Secretary, who attempted to reassure the public by claiming that negotiations with Canada and Mexico were ongoing. However, Colbert points out the lack of genuine commitment to pausing the tariffs, as evidenced by Trump's subsequent actions.

Notable Quotes:

• Stephen Colbert [02:10]: "Tariffs are what economists describe as bad. When he first proposed them, the Wall Street Journal said he was starting the dumbest trade war in history."
• Jake Tapper [19:12]: "I think he actually believes in tariffs, long term, major economic policy."

The Rise of Chicken Rental Services Amidst Economic Strain

Transitioning from tariffs, the conversation shifts to the emerging trend of chicken rentals, a response to rising egg prices due to agricultural disruptions caused by tariffs and disease outbreaks.

Key Points:

• Economic Adaptation: Colbert and Tapper discuss how skyrocketing egg prices, estimated to increase by 41% in 2025, have led to innovative solutions like renting chickens to produce eggs at home. This trend is presented as both a creative and humorous adaptation to economic pressures.

• Consumer Experience: They explore the practicality and challenges of chicken rental services, highlighting the costs versus the benefits. Colbert jokes about the logistics of renting chickens, including the maintenance and potential nuisances like cockroaches and coyotes.

• Government and Agricultural Policies: The discussion touches on how government measures, such as slaughtering millions of chickens due to bird flu, have inadvertently pushed consumers towards managing their own poultry production.

Notable Quotes:

• Stephen Colbert [09:06]: "I think the silver lining in all of this is how do we in our backyards... maybe I could get a chicken in my backyard."
• Stephen Colbert [10:40]: "One chicken rental company is called simply Rent the Chicken, although I prefer their competitor, Henterprise."

In-Depth Conversation on Media Coverage and Political Reporting

The heart of the episode features a candid discussion between Colbert and Tapper about the fast-paced nature of news coverage, especially under the current administration's policies and actions.

Key Points:

• Media Prioritization: Tapper emphasizes the importance of focusing on significant policy changes rather than chasing every tweet from the President. He advocates for contextual reporting to provide meaningful insights into governmental shifts.

• Trump's Administration Efficiency: Tapper contrasts the current administration's preparedness and organized approach with the previous one, noting that Trump's team had been planning for their roles long before taking office.

• Impact on Foreign Policy: The conversation highlights the administration's stance on international relations, particularly regarding Ukraine and Russia. Tapper asserts that Trump genuinely believes in his policies, referencing his admiration for historical figures like William McKinley and his firm positions on foreign conflicts.

Notable Quotes:

• Jake Tapper [16:02]: "They're much more organized. They know where the levers of power are."
• Stephen Colbert [17:15]: "As a journalist, how do you prioritize what you're going to talk about?"

Light-hearted Banter and Personal Anecdotes

Interspersed with serious discussions, Colbert and Tapper engage in humorous exchanges about personal lives, including pet ownership and fictional anecdotes about backyard chickens.

Key Points:

• Pet Stories: Colbert shares a fabricated story about having chickens to manage his backyard, leading to humorous disbelief from Tapper. This segment serves to humanize the hosts and add levity to the conversation.

• Shared History: The hosts reminisce about their longstanding professional relationship, joking about past interactions and mutual perceptions.

Notable Quotes:

• Stephen Colbert [22:06]: "Just a quick reminder. The reason eggs are expensive is because farmers have had to send millions of chickens with bird flu to a farm upstate where they were killed."
• Jake Tapper [21:26]: "So since I last saw you, we now have three dogs and a cat. My wife will not stop buying pets."

Feature on Jake Tapper’s New Show: United States of Scandal

Towards the end of the episode, Tapper discusses his new show, United States of Scandal, providing insights into upcoming topics and personal reflections on past political scandals.

Key Points:

• Show Overview: United States of Scandal aims to revisit and analyze historical political scandals, offering new perspectives and firsthand accounts from those involved.

• Notable Episodes: Tapper mentions episodes covering figures like Lance Armstrong and Enron, as well as personal stories related to the AB Scandal involving Congressman Ozzie Myers.

• Ethics in Politics: The discussion delves into the ethical dilemmas faced by politicians regarding campaign contributions and the pressure to accept donations, highlighting Tapper's commitment to exploring these issues in depth.

Notable Quotes:

• Jake Tapper [28:25]: "Look, we tried to widen the aperture of the lens for this season. Last time, we did a lot of politics, scandals, and this time we're doing scandals from society."
• Stephen Colbert [29:06]: "He knows that, too."

Conclusion

Stephen Colbert wraps up the episode by promoting Tapper's new show and encouraging listeners to engage with The Late Show Pod Show on YouTube for additional content. The episode successfully blends humor with insightful discussions on current economic policies, media strategies, and political ethics, providing listeners with a comprehensive overview of the topics at hand.

Note: This summary excludes advertisements and non-content sections to focus solely on the substantive discussions between Stephen Colbert and Jake Tapper.