Stephen Colbert mocks Donald Trump’s new “gold card,” calling it a “pay-to-play program for rich foreigners” in a sharply delivered Late Show monologue.

Colbert Targets Trump’s Latest Proposal

December 12, 2025: Stephen Colbert is once again taking aim at Donald Trump — this time over the former president’s newly announced “gold card” initiative. During a fiery Late Show monologue, Colbert described the program as a “pay-to-play scheme for rich foreigners”, mocking its premise and questioning its ethics.

The initiative, pitched by Trump as an exclusive membership designed to strengthen international business relationships, immediately sparked intense media scrutiny.

“It’s Basically a Country Club Visa”

Colbert didn’t hold back, joking that the program resembles a luxury loyalty card granting wealthy applicants preferential treatment. He accused Trump of trying to monetize access to the U.S. political and economic ecosystem, quipping that the proposal felt like something “designed after watching too many infomercials.”

His comments drew big laughs from the studio audience and quickly went viral on social media.

Concerns Over Ethics and Influence

Colbert went on to question whether the gold card could encourage foreign influence or provide shortcuts for individuals who can pay their way into elite circles. Critics worry the program blurs lines between diplomacy, business, and political favor — a point Colbert highlighted through comedic exaggeration.

He joked that the next upgrade would be “Gold Card Plus,” which might include a golf game and “one free political favor per year.”

Late-Night Comedy Meets Political Commentary

The monologue exemplifies Colbert’s signature blend of satire and social critique. While he framed the segment humorously, his underlying point — questioning transparency, fairness, and the integrity of political access — resonated across viewers.

Fans praised him for distilling public concerns into accessible, comedic commentary.

HOLR notes that late-night hosts continue to play a major role in shaping political conversation, especially during moments of controversy.

Trump Supporters Fire Back

Supporters of Trump dismissed Colbert’s remarks as partisan comedy, arguing that the gold card is a legitimate economic initiative aimed at boosting foreign investment. Still, the comedian’s critique dominated online conversation, trending widely across platforms following the episode’s airing.

A Monologue That Ignited Debate

Colbert’s take on the gold card wasn’t just a comedic bit; it reignited discussions over how political figures leverage branding and exclusivity to influence public perception and attract global backers.

A Familiar Clash Between Comedy and Politics

As with many Trump-related topics, Colbert’s remarks highlight the ongoing intersection of entertainment, commentary, and public policy. Whether viewers laughed, disagreed, or felt provoked, the segment once again showed how late-night comedy remains a powerful cultural force.