Stewart’s “Supervillain” Comparison
While teasing an upcoming guest appearance by Arizona Senator Mark Kelly, Stewart joked that Kelly had just been punished by Defense Secretary Pete Hegseth. He sarcastically claimed Kelly had his military rank stripped and retirement pay reduced by “the secretary of defense slash war,” before likening Hegseth to Homelander, the ruthless villain from The Boys.
The comparison was aimed at highlighting what Stewart portrayed as an abuse of power. Homelander, played by Antony Starr on the Prime Video series, is known for his authoritarian behavior and lack of accountability — traits Stewart implied were reflected in Hegseth’s actions.
Why Mark Kelly Was Targeted
Earlier that day, Hegseth said the military had begun disciplinary action against Kelly, a retired Navy captain and former astronaut. The move reportedly lowers Kelly’s rank and reduces his retirement benefits. While the punishment falls short of a court-martial, it is still considered a serious reprimand.
Hegseth pointed to a video from November in which Kelly and other Democrats told service members they should refuse illegal orders. Critics quickly noted that Hegseth himself expressed similar views in a 2016 statement.
Kelly is also widely known as the husband of Gabby Giffords, the former Arizona congresswoman who survived an assassination attempt in 2011.
Stewart Takes Aim at Trump
Stewart also mocked President Trump’s reaction to his administration’s actions involving Venezuela. He played a clip of Trump saying he watched the situation “like I was watching a television show,” then exaggerated the remark for comedic effect.
In Stewart’s impression, Trump casually flips channels to check on late-night TV before returning his attention to international affairs — a jab at what Stewart framed as Trump’s unserious approach to major global issues.
Trump’s Ongoing Feud With Late-Night TV
The segment also touched on Trump’s long-running feud with late-night hosts, particularly Jimmy Kimmel. Trump has repeatedly criticized Kimmel’s ratings and talent on social media, calling for ABC to remove him from the air.
Stewart’s jokes tied that feud into a broader critique, suggesting Trump treats politics, television, and global crises with the same reality-show mindset.
The Bigger Picture
Through satire, Stewart highlighted concerns about political power, military discipline, and leadership style. By mixing pop culture references with current events, The Daily Show once again used comedy to spark conversation about serious political issues — while keeping audiences entertained.
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