O’Brien explained why it’s so hard to joke about Trump.
“You can’t parody something that already has this crazy, irregular shape,” he told host Kara Swisher. “It’s not possible. That’s why I always thought that when Trump came along, a lot of people had to ask themselves, ‘Isn’t he shit?’ I hate that guy. He’s an asshole.” And these are not jokes.”
Further referencing the 2021 Capitol insurrection, O’Brien continued: “I’m really going overboard here and saying – that’s his greatest crime.” I think he hurt political comedy because he was so outlandish himself. I think the January 6th thing is a blip compared to how much it hurt comedy.”
O’Brien stepped away from the hustle and bustle as host of “Conan” on TBS in June 2021 – and since then, Trump has racked up 91 criminal charges spread across four counts as he tries to return to the White House with baggage.