Overview

• Stewart opens his first post-summer episode by mocking speculation that President Trump had died, telling viewers the frenzy reflects an appetite for sensationalism.
• He riffs on reports of Trump’s chronic venous insufficiency and related footage of swelling and bruising, using the coverage of appearance as a jab at superficial news priorities.
• Framing the atmosphere around Trump as a “Make-A-Wish” dynamic, he plays clips of allies offering lavish praise and ceremonial tokens that fulfill the president’s desires.
• He highlights a recent Supreme Court ruling permitting ICE targeting based on race or language as an example of institutions indulging White House aims.
• He notes this is his first taping since the Paramount–Skydance merger closed and jokes about the network’s new ownership before pivoting to his broader critique.