Nicole Wallace Discusses Trump on Late-Night Show

During an interview with Stephen Colbert, MSNBC host Nicole Wallace expressed her thoughts on Donald Trump’s second term, noting that it felt notably different, particularly regarding military involvement.

Wallace emphasized her belief that Trump’s administration lacks “normal Republicans” and highlighted specific actions taken by advisor Stephen Miller she finds concerning, mentioning, for instance, the chaos surrounding the immigration enforcement riots in Los Angeles.

Colbert then posed a question about the National Guard and Marines deployed to Los Angeles to address the unrest. He pointed out that Trump has shown a different strength as president over recent months, asking if this feeling was indeed accurate.

“It feels different—can I swear here?” she asked, to which Colbert agreed. “Being with the military was a new experience for him, but there were individuals, like Mark Milley, who tried to restrain that inclination.”

In response to the riots, a battalion of 700 Marines was sent to Los Angeles shortly after Trump activated the National Guard. White House spokeswoman Abigail Jackson defended Trump’s actions, claiming they were necessary to protect law enforcement and respond to violence she attributed to a mob enabled by California’s Democratic Governor Gavin Newsom.

When discussing the Democratic Party’s current situation, Colbert brought up concerns about the risk of dictatorship under Trump. Wallace offered a somewhat hesitant perspective, implying that politics can pivot dramatically, suggesting that Democrats aren’t inherently corrupt but perhaps struggling in the face of Trump’s authoritarian tendencies.

Earlier this year, Wallace had made headlines while discussing Trump’s congressional address. She also talked about a 13-year-old cancer survivor, DJ Daniel, who was named an honorary Secret Service agent—a move she found deeply moving.

Wallace expressed hopes for DJ Daniel’s future, wishing for him to have a long, fulfilling life and to pursue his dream of being a police officer. However, she also voiced concerns about the potential dangers that come with such a role, especially considering the current environment surrounding law enforcement. “I hope he doesn’t have to defend the U.S. Capitol against Trump supporters,” she remarked, recalling the tumultuous events surrounding past protests.

Wallace faced criticism from Trump and his administration in light of her comments, but she remains vocal about her opinions.