Jon Stewart utilized a censored meta-bit onThe Daily Showto address Paramount’s settlement with President Donald Trump over his60 Minuteslawsuit. SinceThe Daily Showairs on Comedy Central, a cable channel owned by Paramount Global, Stewart had to hold back on the sensitive topic. That didn’t mean he couldn’t have a little fun with it, though.
During the opening moments of the Monday, June 02, 2025, episode ofThe Daily Show, Stewart briefly discussed Paramount Global’s compromise with Trump. However, before he could dive deep into his opinion, the show stopped his camera feed.Stewart had just called the settlement “shameful"when the episode cut him off. The graphic read (viaThe Hollywood Reporter):
“Please stand by. Brought to you by Arby’s for when you want a sandwich commensurate with your company’s shame.”
What Jon Stewart’s Bit Means For The Daily Show
Stewart Can Still Address Controversial Topics About Paramount
For those unaware,Trump sued Paramount Global over a60 Minutesinterview with Kamala Harris in October 2024,a month before the election. He claimed that the interview was deceptively edited in her favor. In response, Paramount agreed to a $16 million settlement. Under the deal, the company didn’t have to apologize but had to release interview transcripts with presidential candidates.
Perhaps Stewart couldn’t give as much of his opinion on the matter concerning Paramount’s settlement with Trump as he wanted to. However,the host ofThe Daily Showlaterinterviewed former60 Minutescorrespondent Steve Kroft in the episode,allowing him to further explore the topic. By doing so, Stewart was evidently trying to avoid much conflict of interest.
While interviewing Kroft,The Daily Show’s Stewart asked him about the 2024segment with Harris and Paramount’s “unusual” settlement. Kroft called it “devastating” to journalists and how it invoked “fear of losing the First Amendment.” Of course,Stewart prompted Kroft and made some comments on the agreement between Paramount and Trump,but the meta-gag at the episode’s beginning said it all.
Our Take On Jon Stewart’s Bit About Trump’s Lawsuit
Stewart Couldn’t Give His Full Opinion On Paramount’s Settlement
Due to his conflict of interest, Stewart couldn’t thoroughly explore the news surrounding Paramount’s deal withTrump regarding his lawsuitonThe Daily Show. But, knowing Stewart, he also couldn’t completely ignore it. So,the best way the host could address the big piece of news was through comedy(and interviewing someone with knowledge of the matter).
The Daily Showis all about combining political commentary with humor.So, Stewart leaned hard into that when addressing the sensitive topic concerning his late-night series' parent company. Of course, he was able to get into more detail during his interview with Kroft. However, Stewart could also get away with calling the settlement “shameful” and “so wrong” onTheDaily Show.
