Late-night host Stephen Colbert welcomed Georgia Sen. Jon Ossoff onto his CBS program Wednesday, where the Democratic lawmaker criticized President Donald Trump, discussed the Jeffrey Epstein files, and previewed messaging ahead of the 2026 midterm elections.
The appearance followed controversy surrounding Colbert’s earlier interview with Texas Democrat James Talarico, which the network flagged due to federal equal-time regulations tied to Talarico’s upcoming primary. Because Ossoff’s election calendar falls outside the same regulatory window, the network did not raise similar concerns about the senator’s appearance.
During the interview, Ossoff spoke about his early career investigating corruption overseas and argued that political divisions in the United States reflect broader systemic problems. He said the country faces challenges tied to money in politics and referenced the Supreme Court’s Citizens United decision as a factor he believes reshaped campaign financing.
Ossoff also addressed the Epstein case, suggesting the controversy has fueled public debate about political influence and elite power. He argued that economic policies should prioritize middle- and working-class Americans, framing the issue as central to upcoming elections.
Throughout the segment, Colbert allowed Ossoff to expand on his views regarding the political landscape and the stakes of the 2026 midterms. The senator warned that voter turnout would play a decisive role and emphasized themes frequently highlighted by Democratic campaigns, including voting access, economic policy, and government accountability.
The conversation also revisited the 2020 election and the events of January 6, with Ossoff reiterating criticisms of Trump’s handling of the election aftermath. Republicans have disputed many Democratic characterizations of those events, underscoring continuing partisan disagreement over election integrity, certification processes, and the broader political fallout.
Ossoff’s appearance illustrates how late-night television continues to serve as a venue for political messaging, particularly as candidates build national profiles ahead of major election cycles. Media interviews, podcasts, and entertainment programs have become increasingly common tools for lawmakers seeking to reach audiences beyond traditional news outlets.
With the midterm season approaching, both parties are intensifying efforts to define the political narrative, using media appearances to frame issues ranging from economic policy to government oversight.
