Jon Stewart Rips MAGA’s Second Amendment U‑Turn After Pretti Killing: “Your Snake’s Down to a Newt”
Jon Stewart returned to The Daily Show desk on Monday, January 26, and did not hold back when discussing the killing of Alex Pretti and the administration’s response. The comedian, known for mixing sharp political commentary with humor, criticized what he called a hypocritical and confusing narrative from the MAGA movement.
Stewart opened his segment by contrasting international unrest in Iran with domestic events in Minneapolis. “I mean, can you imagine?” he said, before turning to the Pretti case with a more serious tone. He mocked claims from DHS Secretary Kristi Noem, who labeled Pretti, a 37-year-old ICU nurse, a domestic terrorist.
“I’m hearing there may be some grainy Zapruderlike footage from—I don’t know—every angle imaginable that contradicts the government’s version of events,” Stewart quipped, referencing video evidence that showed Pretti was helping a woman who had been pepper-sprayed just moments before he was killed.
Civic footage suggested that Pretti, a licensed gun owner, had been disarmed by federal agents before the fatal shots were fired. Stewart highlighted the administration’s changing explanations, noting their sudden shift to blaming Pretti’s legally owned gun for the tragedy. “Are you saying … that the guns are the problem?” he asked, as a flying pig graphic illustrated his point.
The comedian also poked fun at Border Patrol’s Greg Bovino, who had recently left his post. “Where the f*** did this guy even come from? It’s his first season on the show,” Stewart joked, likening Bovino to a character introduced late in a cinematic universe. He remained unsympathetic to reports that federal agents were feeling demoralized by public criticism. “People screaming ‘F**** you eight hours a day is basically every customer service job in this country,” he said dryly.
Stewart did not spare the MAGA movement, noting the irony in their sudden condemnation of legal firearms. “Isn’t that kind of the load-bearing law of the ‘Don’t Tread on Me’ flag?” he asked. “Your snake’s down to a newt.” He ended the segment with a stark reminder of the danger of denying reality, joking about Pretti being armed with a handheld, aluminum 1080p 60fps weapon of mass illumination.
Outside of this particular episode, Stewart’s presence on Comedy Central has grown. He recently renewed his contract with Paramount through December 2026, ensuring his return to the desk during a politically tense year. He also earned the 2025 Walter Cronkite Award for Excellence in Political Journalism and continues to produce advocacy-focused projects under Busboy Productions, supporting veterans and 9/11 first responders.
The Daily Show remains strong with its rotating cast of correspondents, including Desi Lydic and Josh Johnson. Stewart’s Monday appearances have been credited with revitalizing ratings, while fans are also looking forward to his upcoming stand-up special, expected to film later this year.
Share your thoughts on Jon Stewart’s commentary on Alex Pretti’s killing and the administration’s response in the comments.
