Actor Laura Benanti returned to “The Late Show with Stephen Colbert” on Monday, October 20, 2025, reprising her popular impersonation of first lady Melania Trump in a segment that took sharp aim at President Donald Trump and his administration. The appearance showcased Benanti’s satirical portrayal that has become a staple of the late-night program since 2016.
The Tony Award-winning actress, who graduated from Kinnelon High School in New Jersey, opened the bit with her signature deadpan delivery. She told Colbert the fake first lady had been splitting her time between Mar-a-Lago, the White House and Camp David, explaining that Camp David meant imagining she was camping with David Beckham.
During the interview, the conversation turned to a proposal suggesting the Kennedy Center’s opera house could be renamed in Melania Trump’s honor. The faux first lady quipped about how much she looked forward to changing her name to Melania Kennedy. Benanti’s character also joked about discussing the elimination of federal jobs with Elon Musk, expressing hope that the cuts would start with the position of first lady.
The sketch took a dramatic turn when Colbert steered the discussion toward Donald Trump’s former associate, the late sex offender Jeffrey Epstein. At that moment, the fake Melania suddenly claimed to experience technical difficulties. When Colbert told her she could not suddenly disappear when things became uncomfortable, Benanti responded, “Oh, yes, I can, Stephen,” before being beamed off the screen entirely.
“Oh my God! She actually did it!” Colbert exclaimed after the character vanished from view.
The appearance also mocked Defense Secretary Pete Hegseth and referenced the infamous hat the real Melania Trump wore while meeting Britain’s King Charles III. The character addressed her relationship with Trump supporters, suggesting their money represented gifts to her and noting that grift could not be spelled without the word gift.
Benanti’s impersonation has evolved since she first introduced it during Trump’s initial presidency. In a March 2025 appearance on “The Late Show,” she presented what she called Melania 2.0, describing the updated version as giving off the impression of a background actor on “Suits” or a lawyer for tables. During that segment, she also joked about the state of the union between herself and the president, describing a pattern of hand-smacking and kiss-dodging.
The 46-year-old actress has built an extensive career in theater, television and film beyond her satirical appearances. She won the Tony Award for Best Featured Actress in a Musical for her 2008 performance in “Gypsy” and has accumulated multiple Tony and Drama Desk honors throughout her career. Recent screen work includes roles in “No Hard Feelings,” “The Gilded Age” and “Elsbeth.”
Benanti has maintained her connection to New Jersey throughout her career. Before achieving fame as one of Broadway’s celebrated performers, she grew up in Kinnelon, located in Morris County. Her theatrical background and versatility as a performer have made her a sought-after talent across multiple entertainment mediums.
The actress has appeared on “The Late Show” numerous times over the years to perform her Melania Trump impression, which has become one of the show’s most popular recurring bits. Her characterization captures the first lady’s accent, mannerisms and often-speculated emotional detachment from her husband’s political activities.
The October appearance followed a pattern established during Trump’s first term, when Benanti frequently appeared on late-night television to satirize the first lady. Her portrayal walks a careful line between parody and commentary, using humor to highlight perceived incongruities in the Trump administration while avoiding direct cruelty toward her subject.
Colbert’s show airs weekdays at 11:35 p.m. ET on CBS before streaming on Paramount+. The program has maintained its focus on political satire and commentary throughout both of Trump’s presidencies, with recurring segments featuring impersonations of various political figures.
