Comedian Nikki Glaser, who hosted the 2026 Golden Globes, has opened up about deliberately omitting several political jokes from her opening monologue, including material about former President Donald Trump. In a candid post-event interview, Glaser explained her decision to strike a specific tone for the Hollywood awards ceremony.
Finding the "Right Tone" for Hollywood's Big Night
Speaking with radio icon Howard Stern on Tuesday, Glaser detailed her creative process for the high-profile hosting gig. The conversation, later covered by Entertainment Weekly, revealed that the comedian was cautious about the event's atmosphere. Glaser stated she wanted to "give it space" when it came to mentioning Donald Trump, feeling his name was too charged for the celebratory evening.
One of the discarded jokes came from comedy legend Steve Martin. He suggested she mock the recent renaming of Washington D.C.'s Kennedy Center by referring to the awards venue as the "Trump Beverly Hilton." Glaser ultimately passed on the bit, prioritizing the mood in the room over the potential laugh.
ICE Joke Deemed Too "Trivial"
Another political punchline left on the cutting room floor targeted U.S. Immigration and Customs Enforcement, known as ICE. Glaser had planned to quip, "I’m hearing from the bar that we’re out of ice. And you know what? We don’t really need ICE. And actually, I hate ICE. I’ve never even wanted ICE."
She told Stern this joke felt too "trivial" for the weighty subject matter and wasn't worth including in her limited stage time. This decision underscored her broader approach to avoid leaning heavily on politics for laughs during the broadcast.
A Swipe at the Boss: CBS News
While Glaser sidestepped national politics, she did direct a pointed joke at the network broadcasting the event—and her employer for the night. She took a quick, sharp jab at CBS, the Golden Globes' broadcaster.
Taunting the network over alleged behind-the-scenes changes friendly to Trump, Glaser said, "CBS News: America’s newest place to 'See B.S. News.'" This joke made the final cut, demonstrating her willingness to critique her immediate corporate environment even while avoiding broader political figures.
Glaser's selective editing highlights the careful balance comedians must strike when hosting major televised events, where audience sensibilities and the desire for a unifying celebration often dictate material.
