Colbert, Fallon mock Trump’s new India tariffs.
U.S. President Donald Trump has announced a steep 50% tariff on Indian goods, a move expected to strain trade ties between the two countries. The decision, framed as protecting American industries, has drawn sharp criticism from economists and exporters, who warn it could trigger retaliatory measures from India.
Late-night comedy took aim at Washington again this week, as hosts Stephen Colbert and Jimmy Fallon tore into U.S. President Donald Trump’s latest trade move — a hefty 50% tariff on Indian goods. The new import taxes, split into two phases, have sparked a flurry of political debate, trade concerns, and comedic jabs.
Under the plan, a 25% tariff went into effect Thursday, with another 25% scheduled for August 28. The White House has framed the measures as a penalty for India’s continued purchase of Russian oil, as well as part of a wider effort to protect American industries. But critics say the move will strain U.S.–India trade relations and could invite retaliatory measures from New Delhi.
Trump’s broader trade package doesn’t stop with India — sweeping tariffs have been imposed on imports from more than 90 countries, pushing U.S. import taxes to their highest levels since the Great Depression in 1929.
That historical milestone was not lost on Colbert. gauze, bandages, and wading — would now get pricier.
“Yeah, yeah. “What’s in them? What do you care? You’re bleeding. It’s a wad.”
Colbert, whose show thrives on political satire, didn’t stop there. He added, “I hope you remembered to set your clocks back to ‘more expensive,’” a jab at the expected price hikes Americans could see on store shelves.
Jimmy Fallon, host of NBC’s The Tonight Show, also waded into the tariff fray, calling the new duties “huge” — both in size and in impact. Fallon noted that the 50% tariffs on Brazilian imports would dramatically increase the cost of bananas, mangos, and pineapples.
Higher import costs often translate into higher consumer prices, and in some sectors, U.S. businesses may struggle to quickly replace goods sourced from India and other affected countries.
India, for its part, is expected to monitor the situation closely before deciding whether to retaliate with its own set of tariffs on American exports. In past trade disputes, New Delhi has responded to U.S.
The tariffs also come at a delicate diplomatic moment. While the U.S. and India have strengthened security cooperation in recent years, economic friction over trade has flared repeatedly.
For now, the most immediate impact may be felt in grocery aisles, retail stores, and — if Colbert and Fallon are to be believed — in the bathroom. And while the late-night hosts might be making light of the issue, their satire reflects a real concern: that a trade war could end up costing ordinary consumers more than it hurts the intended targets.
As Colbert summed up between laughs, “When it comes to these tariffs, we’re all going to feel it — right in the wallet.”