Conan O’Brien Critiques Comedians Focused on Anti-Trump Jokes

Comedian and late-night host Conan O’Brien has shared his concerns about comedians who rely on “screaming” about President Trump instead of delivering genuine humor.

During an interview at the Oxford Union, O’Brien discussed the trend of comedians who heavily invest in anti-Trump humor. He mentioned that some comedians adopt a mantra of “F. Trump,” suggesting that they’re letting their anger overshadow their comedy. “It’s manipulative,” he said, warning that it distracts from what comedy should be—fun. He feels that in pursuing anger, these comedians lose their most valuable asset: the ability to make people laugh.

He pointed out a common argument among these performers—that the seriousness of the current climate means jokes are unnecessary. “But I believe that if you’re a comedian, humor should always be a priority,” O’Brien stated. He stressed the importance of redirecting that anger into something constructive, noting that “good art can be a powerful tool against authority. If you’re just yelling, you’re squandering your best resources.”

O’Brien remarked on the challenges faced by comedians when tackling sensitive political topics. “I have strong political views, but they don’t necessarily guide my humor,” he reflected. He also admitted that much of his career has been driven by impulse.

On the topic of Trump, O’Brien suggested that his most significant impact has been on political comedy itself. He emphasized, “I believe his biggest transgression has been undermining political humor with his outrageous actions. In my opinion, the events of January 6th pale in comparison to the damage he’s done to the comedy landscape.”