Overview

• Monday’s episode marked Stewart’s first taping after a month-long hiatus and his first since the Paramount–Skydance merger closed.
• He mocked viral “Trump is dead” rumors, saying the president is alive while suggesting that questions about his health persist.
• Stewart cited the White House explanation that ankle swelling is due to chronic venous insufficiency and that hand bruising stems from frequent handshakes and aspirin, often covered with makeup.
• He described a “Make‑A‑Wish” dynamic around the president, pointing to an honorary U.S. Marshals Service badge, access to the FIFA World Cup trophy, supporters’ calls for Nobel recognition, and a Supreme Court ruling he said lets ICE target people based on race or language.
• He ended with a Twilight Zone comparison to argue that officials and allies cater to a fragile ego out of fear of retaliation.