Adam Schiff’s On-Air Message To Trump Had Colbert’s Audience Cheering. Then He Went Further
During a Thursday night appearance on The Late Show with Stephen Colbert, Senator Adam Schiff of California didn’t hold back in expressing his frustration and concern about former President Donald Trump’s current behavior and growing influence. Schiff, a Democrat who has been a long-time critic of Trump, was candid in both his tone and words, accusing Trump of using fear as a political weapon more effectively now than he did during his first term in office.
Schiff said that since returning to the presidency, Trump has built what he called “a climate of fear” across many parts of American society. He explained that law firms, universities, judges, immigrants, journalists, and even members of Trump’s own party are now being targeted or pressured in some way. According to Schiff, Trump isn’t just attacking his political opponents; he’s using his position to bully and intimidate anyone he sees as not loyal enough or who dares to criticize him. Schiff warned that this pattern of behavior poses a serious risk to the foundations of democracy and the rule of law.
He also reminded the audience that Trump has personally gone after him for years, especially after Schiff played a central role in leading Trump’s first impeachment. Schiff recounted how Trump had repeatedly threatened him with jail time, publicly accused him of treason, and called him a traitor, all as part of an ongoing attempt to discredit and silence him. He brushed off these attacks with a mix of seriousness and sarcasm, clearly used to being in Trump’s crosshairs but still deeply concerned about the larger implications for the country.
Then, in a striking moment that drew a loud reaction from the studio audience, Schiff looked straight into the camera and addressed Trump directly with two cutting words: “Donald, piss off.” The crowd responded with thunderous applause and cheers. But Schiff wasn’t done. As the applause quieted down, he added another comment, this time more pointed and provocative. With a smirk on his face, he said, “But Donald, before you piss off — would you release the Epstein files?”
His follow-up line wasn’t just a jab; it was a challenge. The files related to Jeffrey Epstein, the financier accused of sex trafficking and with connections to many powerful people, have long been the subject of public speculation, controversy, and demands for transparency. By tying Trump to the mystery around those sealed documents, Schiff was not only mocking Trump but also calling for accountability. His comment hinted at the belief that Trump, or people close to him, might have access to or influence over that information—and that the American public deserves to know the truth.
Schiff’s remarks, both scathing and sharp-witted, reflect a larger frustration among critics who believe Trump’s second term is marked by growing authoritarian tendencies, pressure campaigns against independent institutions, and a lack of accountability. His call for the Epstein files to be released also taps into public curiosity and the widespread demand for justice related to one of the most high-profile scandals in recent memory.
The moment was powerful because it combined humor with genuine concern, and it struck a chord with an audience that has watched years of political conflict play out between Trump and his opponents. Schiff didn’t just insult the former president—he made a pointed demand that could have real consequences if taken seriously.
