In a fiery segment that has since gone viral, late-night host Stephen Colbert engaged in a heated on-air confrontation with Fox News contributor Pete Hegseth. The clash, which aired on Thursday, December 5th, 2025, centred on US foreign policy and resurfaced controversial links between former President Donald Trump and the late financier Jeffrey Epstein.
A Tense Exchange Over Venezuela Policy
The interview took a sharp turn when Colbert challenged Hegseth on his recent commentary regarding Venezuela. Hegseth, a staunch supporter of Donald Trump, had been advocating for a more aggressive US stance towards the South American nation. Colbert, adopting a sceptical tone, questioned the rationale and potential consequences of such hawkish proposals.
Pushing beyond the immediate policy discussion, Colbert steered the conversation towards the character and associations of Hegseth's political ally. This strategic pivot set the stage for the interview's most explosive moment, leaving the Fox News commentator visibly flustered.
Colbert Confronts the Trump-Epstein Connection
In a move that caught Hegseth off guard, Colbert directly referenced the long-documented relationship between Donald Trump and Jeffrey Epstein. The host cited past instances, including Trump's own past remarks from a 2002 interview with New York Magazine where he called Epstein a "terrific guy" who liked women "on the younger side."
Colbert pressed Hegseth on how he reconciles his support for Trump with these associations, particularly in light of Epstein's convictions for sex offences. Hegseth's response was defensive, attempting to dismiss the line of questioning as a partisan attack and a distraction from the topic of Venezuela. However, Colbert maintained his focus, emphasising that questions about a leader's personal judgments and associations are legitimate, especially when discussing foreign policy and moral authority.
Reactions and Wider Implications
The segment has sparked widespread discussion across political and media circles. Supporters of Colbert have praised his willingness to confront a partisan commentator on his own network's talking points and to bring uncomfortable truths to the forefront. Critics, meanwhile, have accused the host of a 'gotcha' interview tactic designed to embarrass a guest.
The incident highlights the ongoing challenge for media figures aligned with Trump when confronted with the Epstein connection. It also underscores how late-night comedy shows, particularly in the US, continue to serve as platforms for pointed political interrogation, blurring the lines between entertainment and journalism.
Furthermore, the debate has reignited conversations about the consistency of political criticism. Many observers noted that associations with Epstein have been used to attack figures across the political spectrum, and Colbert's confrontation brought renewed scrutiny to one of the most prominent names linked to the disgraced financier.
As the clip continues to circulate online, its impact lies not just in the awkward exchange, but in its forceful return of a controversial subject to the national conversation in the context of the upcoming political landscape.
