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Stephen Colbert
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Alex Padilla
Buying a car in Carvana was so easy. I was able to finance it through them. I just. Whoa, wait, you mean finance? Yeah, finance Got pre qualified for a Carvana auto loan, entered my terms and shot from thousands of great car options, all within my budget. That's cool. But financing through Carvana was so easy. Financed, done. And I get to pick up my car from their Carvana vending machine tomorrow. Financed, right?
Senator Alex Padilla
That's what they said.
Alex Padilla
You can spend time trying to pronounce financing or. Or you can actually finance and buy your car. Today on Carvana financing, subject to credit approval, additional terms and conditions may apply.
Stephen Colbert
Welcome, ladies and gentlemen, children of all ages to the Late Show. I'm your host, Stephen Colbert. Last night. That's right. That's right. Today. Today is a significant day for our economy because it was just midnight last night. Right? Midnight last night. Trump's latest round of tariffs took effect. So I hope you remembered, I hope you remembered to set your clocks back to more expensive. These tariffs are huge. The size of the hugeness, big. They raise import taxes to the highest level since the Great Depression. Never a great sign, never a great sign to be compared to the worst. Safety standards here at the nuclear power plant are at the lowest level since Chernobyl. Let's turn this sucker on. Ooh, ooh. My veins itch. The tariffs, which, remember American citizens and companies pay, are different depending on the country. We're importing the product from countries that negotiated with Trump, like the EU face levies of like 10 to 15%, but if the President's mad at you, they can be much higher. For instance, Trump doubled tariffs on India to 50%, which will raise the price of items like gauze, bandages and wadding. Yeah, Making the perfect time to introduce my new product, Steve's Wad. What's in them? What do you care? You're bleeding. It's a wad. Shove it in there. Another country, you guys are really upset about the wadding getting more expensive. Another country Trump is punishing with 50% tariffs is Brazil, which is bad news for meat based Americans because In the first six months of this year, Brazil sent the US over 180,000 tons of beef. Do you know how much beef that is? That is almost one whole Jason Momoa. That's like two thirds of a Momoa. Yeah. Trump is also putting a 39% tariff on Switzer, which will affect luxury goods. For instance, the retail price of a Rolex Submariner could jump from $10,000 to nearly $14,000. Ha ha. Joke's on them. Just this morning down on Canal Street, I got this genuine Rolex submarginal. Okay, didn't cost me $10,000. I want it playing tic tac toe with a rooster. Be careful with that. There you go. The hit this tariff will put on your wallet is already changing people's spending habits. Yesterday, the CEO of McDonald's told investors due to anxiety around tariffs, customers are not spending as freely as they were a year ago. And some are skipping the drive thru altogether. Now, this means either Americans have stopped eating fast food or have been forced to do the unthinkable. Eat somewhere other than their car. Don't do it. Don't go out into the world, okay? There are no cup holders out there. Companies are doing everything they can to dance away from Trump's random tariff beam, including Apple. Yesterday, Apple CEO Tim Cook was at the White House to pledge $100 billion in additional investments in the United States in order to avoid Trump's threat of tariffs on iPhones. Now, there's a catch to this 100 bill. Apple's products themselves will not be made in America because Apple says, according to their research, the US Has a smaller pool of workers with the skills necessary to assemble an iPhone. How dare you, Apple? I believe America's children can do anything. Now, come on. They got those little fingers, those little screws. Part of this deal is a modest increase in the use of corning glass, manufactured in Kentucky. And before he left the Oval, Cook gave Trump an Engraved piece of the glass on a base made from a 24 karat gold bar. Which sounds nice, but you know, next year they're going to use a different charging cable on the bar and you're going to have to, you're going to have to go buy a 24 karat gold dongle. After this lavish corporate bottom smooching, Trump responded by calling Tim Cook a complete weiner. I want to thank Tim Cook. He's a great, great man, a visionary, a businessman. Just about every quality he can have other than athleticism. I don't know about that. Here you are, Tim. Here you are, Tim. Hold on there, I'll write you a thank you note. Dear Tim, thanks, chicken legs for the piece of glass you throw like a girl. P. S. I hate you. After Trump received tribute from his billionaire supplicant, he moved on to more important topics, one of which was me. Colbert has no talent. Fallon has no talent. Kimmel has no talent. They're next. They're going to be going. I hear they're going to be going. I don't know, but I would imagine because they'd get, you know, Colbert has better ratings than Kimmel or Fallon. You know that. I knew that. Yeah, I knew that. I knew that. But, but no, no, no, no, no, no. Ladies and gentlemen, please, to be fair, I think we're all equally untalented. Anyway, I just want to say thank you for watching, sir, and thank you for agreeing to be in our new promo.
Alex Padilla
Stephen Colbert is number one in late night. Just ask our elderly viewers.
Stephen Colbert
Colbert has better ratings than Kimmel or Fallon. You know that.
Alex Padilla
The Late with Stephen Colbert. Everyone's watching.
Senator Alex Padilla
Still cancelled.
Stephen Colbert
Seeing Tim Cook travel from distant lands to present our chieftain with a precious ingot is just the latest event that makes you feel like our country is plunging headfirst into techno feudalism where the rich and powerful operate the levers of government solely for their own personal gain. But once in a while, story comes along that gives me a glimmer of hope. This isn't one of them because we just found out that JD Vance ordered a river's water level raised for his family boat trip on his birthday. This is such an insane spoiled baby emperor move that I have no choice but to break out my new character, widow Prince Vance. Hear ye, hear ye, hear ye. I want my wiv a ways for my birthday. Also, I don't like how blue the sky is. Paint it red. Now give me juice box. Juice box. I'll not. Fojo's apple. Kill him.
Senator Alex Padilla
Kill him now.
Stephen Colbert
Netflix Call me. I'm available in June now. So what happened? Apparently, J.D. vance wanted to go boating for his birthday. So his team requested that the Army Corps of Engineers temporarily increase the outflow from a nearby lake to the river in what's called a special release. Well, of course, on your birthday, who doesn't want a special release? Officially, this river manipulation was out of the ordinary. Normally, the Army Corps of Engineers only does this when they're training emergency responders. There was an em. There was an emergency. I wanted more Wawa for my birthday boat. Now there's another emergency. Hello, police? I'm hungry. Get me Papa John's. He's kill him. Little Lord. JD has been. I will also entertain offers from Amazon. We got a great show for you tonight coming up.
Alex Padilla
Senator Alex Padilla. Summer's winding down and whether your kids are just soaking up the last few weeks or already asking when school starts, this is the perfect time to ease back into learning. If you're looking for a way to help your child catch up, stay sharp or get a head start this school year without the stress, IXL is the answer. IXL is an award winning online learning platform that helps kids truly understand what they're learning, whether they're brushing up on math or diving into social studies. It covers math, language arts, science and social studies from Pre K through 12th grade. With content that's engaging, personalized, and, yes, actually fun. It's the perfect tool to keep learning going without making it feel like school. Studies show kids who use IXL score higher on tests. This has been proven in almost every state. Make an impact on your child's learning. Get IXL now and listeners of this podcast can get an exclusive 20% off IXL membership when they sign up today at ixlearning.comaudio. visit ixlearning.comaudio to get the most effective learning program out there at the best price.
Brett Podolski
I'm Brett Podolski, co founder of the Farmer's Dog. We make fresh, real food for dogs. It sounds so simple, and it is. But for decades, pet food companies have spent billions of dollars advertising that ultra processed pellets are what we should be feeding our dogs every single day. My experience with my own dog, Jada, made me realize that there was another way. For years, Jada had constant issues. Can I talk about poops on the radio? I tried everything until a veterinarian recommended I feed her fresh food. It was a complete turnaround. That's why we started the Farmer's Dog. So every dog could experience the benefits of a truly Healthy diet. It's not fancy. It's just fresh, whole food delivered right to your door, pre portioned for your dog's unique needs. It's better for them and easier for you.
Alex Padilla
Get 50% off your first box at thefarmersdog.com trial50. That's thefarmersdog.com trial 50.
Stephen Colbert
Welcome back, ladies and gentlemen. My guest tonight is the senior senator from California. Please welcome to the Late Show, Senator Alex Padilla. Nice to see you. Nice to see you. Thanks for being on.
Senator Alex Padilla
Thanks for having me on.
Stephen Colbert
It has been about two months since you were detained at one of Kristi Noem's press conferences. You were. Homeland Security detained you at the press conference. I think we know.
Senator Alex Padilla
And he's just going straight there, isn't he?
Stephen Colbert
Exactly. Well, so I'm just curious, can you recount for me what happened that day?
Senator Alex Padilla
Yeah. I mean, I think the whole world by now has seen the video of what happened, actually.
Stephen Colbert
Let's show him again. Let's show this clip.
Senator Alex Padilla
Sir, sir, Hands up. Hands up. I'm Senator Alex Padilla. I have questions for the secretary because the fact of the matter is a half a dozen violent criminals that you're rotating on your.
Stephen Colbert
I also want to specifically how many of our. On the ground. On the ground. Hands behind your back. Hands behind your back.
Senator Alex Padilla
All right, cool.
Stephen Colbert
Lay flat. Lay flat. Other hand, sir. Other hand.
Alex Padilla
Recording loud out here.
Stephen Colbert
I want to point out it took three guys to take you down. Okay, there's points right there. There's points right there. What was going through your mind as that was happening? You were identifying yourself as a senator.
Senator Alex Padilla
Identifying myself, saying, look, I have a question. The whole reason I was there, Stephen, is, look, I'm a senator. I have oversight responsibility. I had questions, hoping for more information. And everybody saw what happened when I tried to ask a question. But as I've been saying every day since that press conference, what happened to me happened to me, but it's not about me. Like, think about what this administration is doing to so many people across the country, but especially in California right now with the obsession they have on this mass deportation agenda, when the reality is, and we know this from ICE statistics, the vast majority of people being arrested, being detained, being deported are the same people that so many families trust to care for our children, trust to care for aging parents. You know, they're the people who are preparing and serving meals in restaurants that are picking the fruit and vegetables and packaging the meat in factories that we depend on to put food on the table at home. And when the whole public sees the father of three United States Marines being abused and detained. When the country learns about not just, I mean, legal residents and even United States citizens being caught up in these roundups. And when a farm worker falls to his death during an ice strait. This administration has gone too far. And I spoke up that day. I'll continue to speak up, and I'm going to continue to speak up until it comes around.
Stephen Colbert
J.D. vance talked about this, and he called you Jose Padilla, for one thing. Do you think he knows your name? I mean, he used to be the president. He is the president of the Senate, and you're a senator. Don't you think that's the least he could do?
Senator Alex Padilla
Look, he's the President of the United States Senate today by way of being vice president. He served in the Senate for two years. We overlapped. He knows my name. But if he wants to try to, you know, mock and attack by calling me Jose, I'll tell you this. I'm proud to be a Jose because this administration will use the term Jose and Maria to try to villainize immigrants, and it's wrong. So to all the Joses and Maria's out there who are contributing to the economy and working hard, building communities, we're going to continue to stand up and rise up.
Stephen Colbert
Can you give us. We saw. We saw the president through the. Through the person of Hegseth, the Secretary of the Defense, send in National Guard and Marines into Los Angeles. What's going on there now? Most of the troops have gone at this point.
Senator Alex Padilla
At this point, most of the Marines have finally been withdrawn. They shouldn't have been there in the first place. Not only was it not helpful, it was actually counterproductive. But of course, Donald Trump just wants the spectacle. He's trying to escalate tensions whenever he can.
Stephen Colbert
Conflict would be a good thing because it would make it look like the troops were necessary.
Senator Alex Padilla
His wannabe tough guy Persona, right? Most of the National Guard troops are gone. But that being said, look, the fear is still there. The terror is still there. It's palpable. I don't just hear it from constituents. I hear from friends. I hear it from family. Because the reality is this about their mass deportation operation. They'd like to talk about targeting violent criminals. When you're going to workplaces to round up immigrants, it's not because they're not working. If they come through IRS data to try to find where immigrants are, it's not about immigrants not paying taxes. When they're going to courthouses to entrap immigrants who are showing up to their court hearings. It's not that they're not doing it, you know, the right way. And all this because of the demands of a guy with 34 felony convictions. It's clearly not about the rule of law.
Stephen Colbert
We have to take a quick break. Right back with more Senator Alex Padilla.
Alex Padilla
Summer's winding down and whether your kids are just soaking up the last few weeks or already asking when school starts, this is the perfect time to ease back into learning. If you're looking for a way to help your child catch up, stay sharp or get a head start this school year without the stress, IXL is the answer. IXL is an award winning online learning platform that helps kids truly understand what they're learning, whether they're brushing up on math or diving into social studies. It covers math, language arts, science and social studies from Pre K through 12th grade. With content that's engaging, personalized and yes, actually fun. It's the perfect tool to keep learning going without making it feel like school. Studies show kids who use IXL score higher on tests. This has been proven in almost every state. Make an impact on your child's learning. Get IXL now and listeners of this podcast can get an exclusive 20% off IXL membership when they sign up today at ixlearning.com audio visit ixllearning.com audio to get the most effective learning program out there at the best price. This episode is brought to you by State Farm. Checking off the boxes on your to do list is a great feeling. And when it comes to checking off coverage, a State Farm agent can help you choose an option that's right for you. Whether you prefer talking in person on the phone or using the award winning app, it's nice knowing you have help finding coverage that best fits your needs. Like a good neighbor, State Farm is there.
Stephen Colbert
Hey everybody, we're back with California Senator Alex Padilla. I know this is that was personal for you. Your mom and dad were immigrants, now naturalized citizens of the United States. When did you growing up, when did you first get a sense, well this was more than just your parents identity but that this was an issue that you were going to deal with, you know, something that meant so much to you that you would dedicate your life to this?
Senator Alex Padilla
Yeah, so all my parents wanted was to work hard and have my sister, my brother and I to have a better life. And the way to achieve a better life is by getting a good education. So I had the good fortune of being accepted to the Massachusetts Institute of Technology MIT four Years, a lot of problem sets later. I come home with a mechanical engineering degree. The year was 1994. And as I come home, there's political ads on television. The then governor of California, Pete Wilson, campaigning for a measure called Proposition 187 that sought to strip away rights and services from immigrants and children of immigrants. That was the first time I saw political attacks targeting families like mine and communities like mine, scapegoating immigrants and the damage that's done when there's so much hate and division that political officials will utilize for their benefit.
Stephen Colbert
But both sides know that there's a broken immigration system here.
Senator Alex Padilla
Both sides can see that.
Stephen Colbert
Why can't something get done?
Senator Alex Padilla
Well, here's what I've tried to do because it frustrates me to no end, Steven, since day one in the Senate for me, talking to my Republican colleagues behind closed doors telling me, alex, I'm with you on dreamers, but first we got to get the border under control. Well, that seems to be done now what? Or yeah, farmworkers, I agree, deserve better. But first we got to get the border under control. Again, that seems done now what? So where's the political will on the other side? Because the border is one thing. Everybody agrees we need a safe, secure, orderly, humane border. We need to address the programs by which people who want to come to the United States should be considered, whether it's work visas or asylum or anything else. But what tends to get lost in the conversation are the millions of people who are not just are here in the United States, who have been here in the United States for years, if not decades, paying taxes, raising families, otherwise law abiding. Right, no criminal conviction history. They deserve a way to come out of the shadows and take a step towards legal status. And so, surprise, surprise, they have a bill, it's called updating the registry. There's this registry law that's been on the books for almost a century with a deadline that has been a moving target over the last hundred years. Last update under Republican President Ronald Reagan that says if you've been here for seven years or longer, you've paid your taxes, no criminal conviction, et cetera, few other requirements, you should be able to register and move towards legal status. So I introduced bill to do just that.
Stephen Colbert
Well, I hope you, I hope, I hope you find support. Do you have any hope that this is going to get passed under this particular Senate?
Senator Alex Padilla
I'm hopeful because it's not just me that has called out this administration for being extreme and overreaching public polling. The American people know that this is wrong and an abuse of power. When even Steven Scalise from Louisiana, the number two Republican in the House, says there's gotta be a better way, I'm hoping, I'm praying that things are shifting.
Stephen Colbert
Just enough that that would be wonderful. Because I think people who love our country, people, this is a beautiful country. I love our country. But it breaks my heart to see that the overt policy of the administration is brutality and cruelty. That is the purpose, right?
Senator Alex Padilla
And again, that's. That's why I do what I do. I love this country so much. I want her to live up to. To the values, the ideals, the rights that we've enshrined in the Constitution. And I love this country so much, I will call out anybody abusing their power to undermine those fundamental rights, especially when it's the President of the United States.
Stephen Colbert
Senator, thank you so much for being here. Senator Alex Padilla, everybody. Thank you for listening to the Late Show POD show with Stephen Colbert. Just one more thing. If you want to see more of me, come to The Late Show YouTube channel for more clips and exclusives. September 4th on Paramount plus, someone is.
Senator Alex Padilla
Trying to frame us until our names are cleared.
Alex Padilla
More fugitives from Interval.
Senator Alex Padilla
Like Bonnie and Clyde with better snacks.
Stephen Colbert
Espionage.
Senator Alex Padilla
You're still as good a shot as he used to be.
Stephen Colbert
Better. Is there love?
Senator Alex Padilla
Language? We like to walk that fine line between techno thriller and romantic comedy.
Alex Padilla
We make up our own rules.
Stephen Colbert
NCIS Tony and Ziva. Streaming September 4th on Paramount Plus. May I speak freely?
Senator Alex Padilla
I'd prefer English.
Stephen Colbert
The Naked Gun is the most fun you can have in theaters. Yeah. Let's go without getting arrested. Is he serious? Is he serious?
Senator Alex Padilla
No. The Naked Gun only in theaters.
Podcast Summary: The Late Show Pod Show with Stephen Colbert
Episode: Sen. Alex Padilla | Tax Me If You Can
Release Date: August 8, 2025
In this engaging episode of The Late Show Pod Show with Stephen Colbert, host Stephen Colbert delves into the pressing economic implications of recent tariff implementations and engages in a heartfelt discussion with California Senator Alex Padilla. The conversation navigates through the complexities of immigration policies, the impacts of tariffs on the economy, and the personal experiences that shape Senator Padilla's legislative priorities.
Timestamp: [01:35] - [07:44]
Stephen Colbert opens the episode with a sharp and humorous monologue addressing the newly implemented tariffs by the Trump administration, highlighting their significant impact on the American economy. Colbert emphasizes the severity of these tariffs, comparing their magnitude to the highest import taxes since the Great Depression.
Key Points:
Tariffs’ Economic Impact: Colbert explains how tariffs vary based on the negotiating relationship with different countries. For example, the EU faces a 10-15% levy, while India encounters a staggering 50% tariff, directly affecting essential goods like gauze and bandages. He jokes, “That's like two thirds of a Momoa” when referring to the beef imported from Brazil, illustrating the absurdity and high cost of such tariffs.
Effect on Consumer Behavior: The monologue touches on how these tariffs are altering consumer spending habits, citing McDonald's CEO's observation that customers are either less willing to spend or avoiding fast food altogether due to increased costs.
Corporate Responses: Colbert discusses how companies like Apple are responding to these tariffs by committing to substantial investments in the U.S. ("Apple CEO Tim Cook was at the White House to pledge $100 billion in additional investments"). However, he humorously critiques the limitations of these investments, such as not manufacturing iPhones in the U.S. and the superficial gestures like engraved glass gifts.
Political Satire: The host employs satire to mock the tariff policies and the administration's approach, pointing out the lack of genuine solutions and the potential for future policy missteps. He quips about introducing his own absurd products like “Steve's Wad” to lampoon the administration’s focus.
Notable Quote:
"Trump is punishing with 50% tariffs... It's like two thirds of a Momoa." — Stephen Colbert [03:15]
Timestamp: [12:49] - [25:38]
Segment Introduction:
After a series of advertisements, Stephen Colbert welcomes Senator Alex Padilla to the show, setting the stage for an in-depth conversation about Padilla’s recent experiences and his stance on immigration policies.
Key Discussion Points:
Detention at Press Conference
Incident Recap: Senator Padilla recounts his detainment by Homeland Security at a press conference held by Governor Kristi Noem. He emphasizes that his intention was to seek answers regarding the administration's harsh immigration policies.
Notable Quote:
"The whole reason I was there, Stephen, is, look, I'm a senator. I have oversight responsibility. I had questions, hoping for more information." — Senator Alex Padilla [14:12]
Impact on Immigration Discourse: Padilla highlights how the incident sheds light on the broader issues of mass deportations and the targeting of immigrants who are integral to various sectors of the economy.
Critique of Current Immigration Policies
Economic Contributors: Padilla stresses that many immigrants in the U.S. are law-abiding individuals who contribute significantly to the economy by working in essential industries such as food service, agriculture, and manufacturing.
Notable Quote:
"They're the people who are preparing and serving meals in restaurants... putting food on the table at home." — Senator Alex Padilla [14:30]
Human Impact: He shares personal anecdotes and statistics to illustrate the human cost of the administration’s aggressive immigration stance, including the arrest and deportation of legal residents and even U.S. citizens.
Legislative Efforts and Hope for Reform
Updating the Registry Bill: Senator Padilla introduces his legislative efforts aimed at providing a pathway to legal status for long-term, law-abiding immigrants. He explains the shortcomings of the current registry law and the need for its modernization.
Notable Quote:
"If you've been here for seven years or longer, you've paid your taxes, no criminal conviction, et cetera... you should be able to register and move towards legal status." — Senator Alex Padilla [22:00]
Bipartisan Support and Challenges: He expresses cautious optimism due to growing bipartisan support, citing figures like Representative Steve Scalise's acknowledgment of the need for better immigration solutions.
Notable Quote:
"The American people know that this is wrong and an abuse of power." — Senator Alex Padilla [23:43]
Personal Background and Motivation
Immigrant Heritage: Padilla shares his personal story, highlighting how his immigrant parents’ struggles and aspirations shape his dedication to creating fair and humane immigration policies.
Notable Quote:
"All my parents wanted was to work hard and have my sister, my brother and I to have a better life." — Senator Alex Padilla [20:57]
Early Experiences with Anti-Immigrant Sentiment: He recounts witnessing political attacks against immigrants during his time at MIT, specifically referencing California's Proposition 187, which sought to strip services from immigrants, reinforcing his commitment to combating such divisive policies.
Notable Quote:
"That was the first time I saw political attacks targeting families like mine and communities like mine." — Senator Alex Padilla [21:56]
Conclusion of Interview: The discussion wraps up with Colbert expressing his appreciation for Senator Padilla's candidness and dedication to his constituents. The conversation underscores the ongoing struggles and efforts to reform the U.S. immigration system, highlighting both the personal and political dimensions of the issue.
Stephen Colbert concludes the episode by reiterating the importance of the topics discussed and encouraging listeners to stay informed and engaged with their representatives. The episode offers a compelling blend of humor and serious discourse, providing listeners with both entertainment and insight into critical political issues.
This episode of The Late Show Pod Show with Stephen Colbert masterfully balances humor with serious political commentary. Stephen Colbert's incisive monologue sets the stage for a meaningful discussion with Senator Alex Padilla, whose personal experiences and legislative efforts provide listeners with a deeper understanding of the complexities surrounding immigration reform and economic policies in the United States.
For those interested in the intersection of politics and personal narratives, this episode offers valuable insights and a thought-provoking conversation that resonates beyond the comedic elements typical of late-night shows.