Former President Barack Obama is reportedly being paid $400,000 to speak at a Wall Street firm.
On Thursday night’s Daily Show and Late Show, Trevor Noah and Stephen Colbert, respectively, addressed the backlash against the former president cashing in.
Noah had no patience for critics of Obama, who he joked would give a speech about the four boats he was going to buy.
“I know people may say that it weakens public trust when politicians cash in immediately after leaving office, but at least Obama waited until he left office, unlike this guy,” said Noah, showing a picture of President Donald Trump, “who’s using the White House as an ATM machine.”
The Daily Show host said that while he agrees the system must change, he doesn’t think it’s Obama’s responsibility to change it. “No, f— that.”
“I’m sorry, no. So the first black president must also be the first president to NOT take money after office? No, no, no, my friend. He can’t be the first of everything. F— that and f— you. Yeah, I said it.”
Stephen Colbert, meanwhile, celebrated Obama’s return to the spotlight. The former president made his first public appearance since leaving the White House in Chicago earlier this week.
As for Obama’s alleged $400,000 speech, he had a different take.
“Hillary [Clinton] wasn’t able to continue Obama’s legacy — but at least Obama was able to continue hers,” he said. “I mean, good for him.”
“With that kind of money you could join Mar-a-Lago.”
