Stephen Colbert challenges Karine Jean-Pierre on Biden’s mental acuity

Published October 21, 2025 6:29pm ET



Late-night host Stephen Colbert pressed former White House Press Secretary Karine Jean-Pierre in a tense exchange about former President Joe Biden’s mental fitness and the fallout from his debate performance, which led to his withdrawal from the 2024 presidential race.

Appearing Monday night on The Late Show with Stephen Colbert, Jean-Pierre defended Biden’s abilities, insisting she saw a capable and engaged president “nearly every day.” But Colbert, a strong Biden supporter, openly questioned Biden’s performance on the 2024 presidential debate night.

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