The Late Show Pod Show with Stephen Colbert

Episode: Jen Psaki | Land Of The Freezing
Date: December 5, 2025
Guest: Jen Psaki, former White House Press Secretary, host of With Jen Psaki on Ms. Now

Episode Overview

This episode of The Late Show Pod Show features Stephen Colbert in conversation with Jen Psaki. The main themes include freedom of the press under the current administration, congressional turmoil, declining public engagement in politics, and communications challenges for both parties. The tone blends Colbert's signature satire and wit with Psaki's experience-driven insights.

Monologue Highlights (01:36–12:45)

Stephen Colbert opens with his trademark witty take on current political events, including:

• Coldest Weather & Political Satire (01:42–02:33): Jokes about the arctic blast across the Midwest, blaming climate change—tongue-in-cheek—on Donald Trump.
  • Quote: “Where does this end? April? Thanks, Donald Trump.” – Stephen Colbert [02:05]
• Trump, Automobiles, and EPA Rollbacks (02:33–04:34): Skewers Trump’s announcement to roll back emissions standards and champion gas-powered cars.
  • Quote: “All you need in a car is the basics, folks. You need a gas pedal, you need a steering wheel, and a little hula lady on the dashboard.” – Stephen Colbert [02:48]
• Satirical News on Trump Installing His Name on Federal Buildings (04:37–06:26): Pokes fun at the renaming of the Institute of Peace and Trump’s "deal-making legacy".
• Venezuelan Boat Strike Controversy & Pentagon Scandal (06:26–10:38): Satirical dive into recent military actions, focusing on allegations of war crimes and leaks from Secretary of Defense Pete Hegseth.
  • Quote: “You blew them up for touching their radio? Who are they? Your dad on a road trip?” – Stephen Colbert [08:22]
• Spotify Wrapped Humor & Pantone's Color of the Year (10:38–12:28): Comic riff on music tastes and the announcement that 2026's “Color of the Year” is… white.
  • Quote: “Prepare your eyeballs everybody. Cause here it is. White.” – Stephen Colbert [12:20]

Jen Psaki Interview

Press Freedom & Pentagon Restrictions (14:50–18:55)

• New Restrictions on the Pentagon Press Corps:
  Colbert asks Psaki about the recent Pentagon directive requiring press to sign loyalty oaths and only report pre-approved information.
  • Quote: "The value ultimately of the press knowing anything?" – Stephen Colbert [16:07]
  • Psaki’s Response: Emphasizes the crucial role of a free press and the importance of tough, unscripted questions for a healthy democracy.
    • Quote: “The freedom of press and the fact that the US Government has people who stand up there and answer real questions every day… that's a part of our democracy.” – Jen Psaki [16:14]
• Lawsuit Over First Amendment Rights:
  Psaki addresses The New York Times lawsuit against the Pentagon, highlighting the alarming nature of the new restrictions but noting major outlets, including Fox News and Newsmax, refused to sign the pledge.
  • Quote: “What is so interesting right now in Washington is what is happening with the Pentagon press corps. It actually surprised me what they did.” – Jen Psaki [17:10]
• Press Briefings Lack Substance:
  Psaki and Colbert lampoon the composition of the current press corps and the resulting lack of real news from Pentagon briefings.
  • Quote: “They had a press briefing… and they made no news, no news at all, which is pretty remarkable.” – Jen Psaki [18:11]

Congressional Dysfunction and Political Resignations (18:55–20:46)

• House Leadership Under Fire:
  Discussion on Speaker Mike Johnson’s weak leadership and Republican dissatisfaction. Colbert notes the GOP’s special election win by a slim margin in Tennessee, a sign of shifting tides.
  • Quote: "Is it really his fault? Isn't it Trump's fault? He's not running anything. Trump's running everything." – Stephen Colbert [19:29]
• Democratic Opportunities and GOP Infighting:
  Psaki explains the slim balance in the House and growing public and private criticism of current leadership, including rifts within the Republican caucus.
  • Quote: “Democrats only need three, a net gain of three seats in order to be in control of the House of Representatives.” – Jen Psaki [20:16]

Declining Public Engagement in Politics (22:37–25:11)

• Americans Opting Out of News:
  Citing a poll showing a significant drop in daily news engagement, Colbert wonders how parties can encourage participation.
  • Quote: “Doesn't it seem that people are just sort of checking out and believing that paying attention to what's happening to politics is actually going to have some impact on their life?” – Stephen Colbert [23:12]
• Psaki’s Recommendations:
  Calls for more authentic communication from politicians—"burn the talking points"—and for leaders to engage in real conversations, especially in unexpected communities.
  • Quote: “You have to say speak like a human being, which sounds very obvious. Start with what you think and then start telling people what you think. You don't need poll-tested language.” – Jen Psaki [24:27]
  • Highlights successful communicators: AOC, Chris Murphy, Gavin Newsom, Wes Moore, Josh Shapiro.

Messaging Around "Affordability" (25:16–26:09)

• Colbert on Shifting Rhetoric:
  Notes both Trump and Democrats are using "affordability" messages, often contradictorily.
• Psaki on GOP Flaws:
  Encourages Republicans to keep echoing inconsistent White House messaging, implying it benefits Democrats.
  • Quote: “It's a great message. Keep at it everybody. There you go. So yeah, that is not a workable message. I don't know why he's doing it, but I hope they echo him.” – Jen Psaki [25:54]

Presidential Competence and War Decisions (26:09–27:48)

• Trump’s Role in Military Decisions:
  Colbert questions if any past president has been as uninformed about acts of war as Trump, referencing recent controversial strikes.
  • Quote: “Have you ever seen another commander in chief so out of the loop when it comes specifically to acts of war against another nation against whom we have not declared war?” – Stephen Colbert [26:48]
• Psaki's Experience:
  Contrasts Trump with Obama and Biden, describing former presidents as deeply engaged and proactive with national security, highlighting the gravity of decisions involving lives.
  • Quote: “It's not just that they were up to speed on what was happening. They demanded to know what was happening… the most serious thing and decision that came to their desk was decisions about life and death and putting our men and women in uniform in harm's way.” – Jen Psaki [27:19]

Notable Quotes & Memorable Moments

• Colbert, Satirical Burn: “Dance for me, tiny ukulele bride.” [03:03]
• Psaki, On the Press: “Taking real questions. Some questions I answered better than other questions. But I did that because I'm a firm believer… that's a part of our democracy.” [16:14]
• Colbert, On the Modern Press Conference: “So those are the clowns that got in there now. But still wouldn't. They're just softball questions, wouldn't that have been lovely for you as the person at the podium?” [15:59]
• Psaki, On Politician Communication: “You have to say speak like a human being… you don't need poll tested language.” [24:27]

Timestamps for Important Segments

• Colbert’s Monologue Highlights: 01:36–12:45
• Jen Psaki Joins: 14:50
• Press Freedom Segment: 15:04–18:55
• Congressional Dysfunction: 18:55–20:46
• Public Engagement/Media Literacy: 22:37–25:11
• Affordability Messaging: 25:16–26:09
• Presidential Competence and War: 26:09–27:48

Final Thoughts

This episode insightfully skewers the current political climate, highlighting the challenges facing press freedom, congressional gridlock, and communication breakdowns in both major parties. Psaki’s inside perspective offers an urgent call for authentic leadership and greater media transparency, all within Colbert’s blend of humor and sharp criticism.

For more:
The Briefing with Jen Psaki airs Tuesdays–Fridays on Ms. Now.