In a scathing segment on Thursday's episode of The Late Show, host Stephen Colbert took aim at U.S. Defense Secretary Pete Hegseth. The comedy monologue followed a damning report from the Pentagon's acting inspector general, which found Hegseth's use of the Signal messaging app created a serious security risk.
Pentagon Watchdog Flags Major Security Risk
The core of Colbert's critique was a new official finding. The Pentagon's watchdog concluded that the defense secretary's reliance on the Signal app risked a "potential compromise of sensitive DoD information, which could cause harm to DoD personnel." Colbert recapped how Hegseth had used the encrypted app to share highly sensitive war plans within a text chain that included Jeffrey Goldberg, the editor-in-chief of The Atlantic.
The report argued this action could have led to "failed U.S. mission objectives and potential harm to U.S. pilots." Colbert highlighted the gravity of the situation before pivoting to his signature brand of mockery.
Colbert's Cutting Commentary and a Blast from the Past
"That's surprising. Usually, to endanger the lives of American troops, Hegseth uses an ax," Colbert quipped. The joke served as a perfect segue to a notorious throwback clip. The video showed Hegseth, during his time as a Fox News host, hurling an ax on live television. The axe struck a member of the West Point Hellcats marching band, an incident that later resulted in the band member suing Hegseth.
The Late Show audience reacted to the reckless clip with a massive, collective groan. Colbert then questioned how much longer Hegseth could remain in his powerful post given the latest security lapse.
A Controversial Fallback Plan
Ever the comedian, Colbert offered a hypothetical solution. "But don't worry. He already has a fallback position lined up," he joked. "He's going to be wingman for that drunken raccoon." This punchline was a clear nod to multiple reports that have detailed Hegseth's excessive alcohol use, adding another layer of controversy to the official's profile.
The entire segment underscored the serious implications of the Pentagon report while using Hegseth's own controversial history for comedic effect. Viewers can see more of Colbert's full Thursday night monologue on The Late Show.
