The Late Show Pod Show with Stephen Colbert

Episode: Sen. Bernie Sanders | Anniversary Grifts

Date: January 21, 2026
Guest: Senator Bernie Sanders (Vermont)

Overview

This episode brings Senator Bernie Sanders back to “The Late Show Pod Show” for his 19th appearance, as Stephen and Bernie tackle the chaotic one-year anniversary of Donald Trump's second term. The conversation is a sharp, often satirical exploration of the Trump administration’s actions — from international turmoil to domestic authoritarian tactics. The pair delve into the meaning of oligarchy, the fate of democracy, American foreign policy (with humorous detours into Greenland and Venezuela), and the state of resistance against authoritarianism.

Key Topics & Insights

1. Trump’s First Anniversary: “A Thousand Years” (01:05 - 13:18)

• Satirical Monologue Recap:

  • Stephen Colbert, in his signature acerbic style, lists Trump's outlandish actions during his second term, blending real fears with surreal riffing (e.g., renaming the Gulf of Mexico and building a golden ballroom at the White House).
  • He highlights the exhaustion caused by constant political spectacle:

    “It’s probably the whole point. Today’s maniacal criminality distracts us from yesterday’s maniac crimes.” — Stephen Colbert (03:02)

• Tedium & Anxiety under Trump:

  • Bernie and Stephen commiserate over the feeling of perpetual fatigue and anxiety provoked by nonstop news:

    “Is it bored when your testicles snap up against your pelvis while your heart beats like a tweaked-out woodpecker?” — Stephen Colbert (05:11)

2. Trump’s Greenland Gambit & European Relations (06:39 - 13:18)

• Escalating International Absurdity:

  • Trump threatens military action against allied NATO countries for not ceding Greenland, with Stephen skewering the logic and trade implications (e.g., “first they came for my paperboard…”).
  • The EU considers a “trade bazooka” in retaliation, and European leaders (notably Macron) publicly rebuke Trump’s aggression.

    Macron: “We do believe that we need more growth, we need more stability in this world, but we do prefer respect to bullies, we do prefer science to plotism, and we do prefer rule of law to brutality.” (09:34)

• Analogies and Humor:

  • Colbert lampoons the situation with riffs on European markets and bizarre T. rex metaphors (from Gavin Newsom), adding levity to international peril.

    “He’s a T. Rex. You mate with him or he devours you. One or the other.” — Gavin Newsom, as quoted by Colbert (11:56)

3. Bernie Sanders: Defining Oligarchy & Authoritarianism (14:02 - 18:42)

• Bernie’s Tour of America’s Mood:

  • Sanders describes the widespread, bipartisan anxiety about authoritarian rule and the resilience of American democratic values:

    “The people of the United States of America do not want to live under an authoritarian society. They do not want to live under an oligarchic society… all of our people, not just the billionaires, should be doing well.” — Bernie Sanders (14:34)

• Oligarchy Defined:

  • Bernie explains how power is concentrated among a handful of ultra-wealthy individuals who control the economy, media, and political system:

    “You got the top 1% owning more wealth than the bottom 93%... One man, Mr. Musk, one man owning more wealth than the bottom 52% of American households.” — Bernie Sanders (15:35)

• The Authoritarian-Oligarchy Nexus:

  • The rich seek to avoid taxes, disregard democracy and wield unchecked influence, he argues. Sanders ties Trump’s admiration for authoritarian rulers (like MBS of Saudi Arabia) to the broader threat:

    “You add all of that stuff up, it is where oligarchy marries authoritarianism.” — Bernie Sanders (17:36)
    “And by the way, we ain’t going to let it happen.” — Bernie Sanders (18:38)

4. Greenland, Denmark, and Trump’s True Intentions (18:42 - 22:44)

• On “Annexing” Greenland:

  • Stephen jokes about acquiring Denmark’s socialized healthcare, which Bernie supports in theory but doubts is Trump’s real motivation.

    “In the midst of all the craziness, the idea that you would have a president of the United States say ‘Norway, you didn’t give me the Nobel Prize, I have to invade Greenland’… it really is… like a narcissistic four-year-old spoiled brat.” — Bernie Sanders (20:19)

• What’s Driving the Greenland Move?

  • Potential access to rare minerals is cited, with Bernie noting possible oligarch investments following Trump’s interest.
  • Sanders suggests Congress has means to block imperialistic moves, but political will is uncertain.

5. Venezuela, Foreign Policy, and American Hypocrisy (23:14 - 27:11)

• After Maduro’s Capture:

  • Sanders decries the lack of clarity on Venezuela’s leadership and the likely involvement of U.S. oil interests:

    “Certainly the oil companies, some of them at least, are excited about the opportunity to enjoy rampant imperialism.” — Bernie Sanders (24:09)

• Dangers of "Might Makes Right":

  • Bernie draws parallels between U.S. and Russian aggression, warning that disregarding international norms sets a precedent for global chaos:

    “How do you criticize a Putin?... It unleashes international anarchy. Might makes right.” — Bernie Sanders (24:52)
    “It’s really a descent into barbarism that I could do anything I want… and invade any country that I want because I am powerful.” — Bernie Sanders (25:36)

6. Domestic Authoritarianism: ICE, Minnesota, and the “Big Lie” (27:11 - 31:19)

• Federal Troops in Minnesota:

  • Discussing the ICE shooting of Renee Goode and Trump’s crackdown on dissent, Sanders compares the climate to January 6th and warns of intimidation tactics designed to stifle resistance.

• The "Big Lie" and the War on Truth:

  • Sanders underscores the authoritarian trend of flipping narratives, branding victims as domestic terrorists, and undermining foundational democratic rights:

    “These differences have gotta be based on a foundation of truth and not constant lies. And that is what the Trump people…” — Bernie Sanders (29:44)

• Basic Rights at Stake:

  • Colbert presses the danger of setting aside constitutional rights at the government’s whim:

    “If rights can be set aside because the government tells you to do so, then they’re not rights… That’s just rule by force.” — Stephen Colbert (30:54)

• Is Dissent Bipartisan?

  • Bernie observes some Republicans are recognizing the danger, especially as public backlash grows.

7. Democratic Socialism, Grassroots Politics, and Hope (31:50 - 33:39)

• Celebrating Milestones:

  • Bernie is moved by swearing in the first Democratic socialist mayor of a major city, highlighting the growing popularity and grassroots energy behind the movement.

• Why Is Democratic Socialism Rising?

  • Successes are attributed to massive volunteer mobilization and the willingness to take on both party establishments.

    “What excited me was a strong grassroots movement took on the establishment and won. They did it in New York City. We could do it in every state in this country.” — Bernie Sanders (33:25)

Notable Quotes & Memorable Moments

| Timestamp | Quote | Speaker | |-----------|-------|---------| | 03:02 | “Today’s maniacal criminality distracts us from yesterday’s maniac crimes.” | Stephen Colbert | | 05:11 | “Is it bored when your testicles snap up against your pelvis…? Is that bored?” | Stephen Colbert | | 09:34 | “We do prefer respect to bullies, we do prefer science to plotism, and we do prefer rule of law to brutality.” | Emmanuel Macron (quoted by Colbert) | | 14:34 | “The people… do not want to live under an authoritarian society. They do not want to live under an oligarchic society.” | Bernie Sanders | | 15:35 | “The top 1% owning more wealth than the bottom 93%... One man, Mr. Musk… owning more wealth than the bottom 52%…” | Bernie Sanders | | 17:36 | “It is where oligarchy marries authoritarianism.” | Bernie Sanders | | 18:38 | “By the way, we ain’t going to let it happen.” | Bernie Sanders | | 20:19 | “Like a narcissistic 4-year-old spoiled brat, you know? ‘Yeah, I’m gonna yell and scream cause I didn’t get my extra cup of ice cream.’” | Bernie Sanders | | 24:52 | “It unleashes international anarchy. Might makes right.” | Bernie Sanders | | 25:36 | “It’s really a descent into barbarism that I could do anything I want… invade any country… because I am powerful.” | Bernie Sanders | | 29:44 | “These differences have gotta be based on a foundation of truth and not constant lies.” | Bernie Sanders | | 30:54 | “If rights can be set aside because the government tells you to do so, then they’re not rights.” | Stephen Colbert | | 33:25 | “A strong grassroots movement took on the establishment and won.” | Bernie Sanders |

Timestamps for Main Segments

• Trump's One-Year Anniversary & Satirical Recap: 01:05–11:15
• EU Relations / Greenland & Global Politics: 11:15–14:02
• Bernie Sanders Interview Part 1 (Authoritarianism & Oligarchy): 14:02–18:42
• Bernie Sanders Interview Part 2 (Greenland, Denmark, Wealth): 18:42–22:44
• Foreign Policy (Venezuela) & International Norms: 23:14–27:11
• Domestic Authoritarian Moves and the Big Lie: 27:11–31:19
• Democratic Socialism, Political Hope: 31:50–33:39

Tone & Style

The episode’s language is sharp, sardonic, and passionate, blending Colbert's biting satire with Sanders’ earnest urgency. Both maintain a sense of grave humor throughout, making for an engaging yet dire warning about the stakes for American democracy.

Bottom Line

This episode is an incisive, often darkly comic examination of Trump's second-term chaos — covering dictatorial overreach, oligarchic dominance, American hypocrisy in foreign policy, and the urgent necessity for democratic grassroots resistance. Sanders and Colbert blend laughter with outrage, creating a memorable discussion that’s equal parts sobering and stirring.