Actress and comedian Laura Benanti made a memorable return to The Late Show with Stephen Colbert on Wednesday, bringing back her acclaimed impression of former First Lady Melania Trump for a holiday-themed segment that quickly went viral.
Addressing the Infamous Christmas Comment
The skit cleverly referenced a real-life moment from 2018, when Melania Trump was caught on an audio recording expressing frustration over White House Christmas decorations. In the recording, she was heard asking, “Who gives a fuck about Christmas stuff and decorations?” This historical footnote set the stage for Colbert's interview with Benanti's character.
Host Stephen Colbert directly asked Benanti's portrayal whether she still held those feelings about the festive season. The actress, in character, delivered a perfectly deadpan response that has since captured significant attention online.
“Once a Year. Jingle Boom.”
“I love Christmas the same way I love my husband,” Benanti's Melania replied, setting up the punchline. She then paused before delivering the final blow: “Once a year. Jingle boom.” The audience erupted in laughter at the sharp, timed joke aimed at the frequency of the former president's public appearances with his wife.
The comedy bit didn't stop there. Benanti's character also promoted a line of absurdly overpriced Christmas ornaments. The fictional souvenirs included items supposedly crafted from the rubble of the White House East Wing, a dig at Donald Trump's controversial plan to demolish the historic structure to build a new ballroom.
A Satirical Tradition on Late-Night
Laura Benanti's impression of Melania Trump has become a staple of political satire on late-night television, known for its nuanced delivery and cutting commentary on the Trump family's public persona. This latest appearance reinforces how comedy shows continue to process and parody the lasting cultural impact of the previous administration.
The segment successfully blended current events with holiday humour, using satire to highlight the ongoing public fascination with the personal dynamics and past controversies of the Trump family. Benanti's performance reminded viewers of the potent role impersonations play in the political comedy landscape.
