Stephen Colbert didn't hold back on Wednesday night, expressing his disapproval of ABC News's recent $15 million settlement and apology to Donald Trump following a defamation lawsuit. He questioned the rationale behind ABC's decision, calling it "stupid" and suggesting it set a concerning precedent.

Colbert linked ABC's settlement to Trump's subsequent lawsuit against Iowa pollster Ann Selzer and the Des Moines Register. Trump sued them over a poll that showed Kamala Harris leading him in Iowa, a traditionally Republican state. Colbert satirized the lawsuit, joking about Punxsutawney Phil needing legal representation if predictions could now be grounds for legal action.

The lawsuit, filed under the Iowa Consumer Fraud Act, alleges "brazen election interference" by the Des Moines Register and Selzer due to the poll's publication. Trump ultimately won Iowa by a significant margin, contrasting sharply with the poll's prediction. The media had highlighted Selzer's poll due to her historically accurate track record.

Selzer, in a recent interview, admitted to being perplexed by the poll's inaccuracy, emphasizing her commitment to transparency by releasing the poll's data. She refuted accusations of intentional manipulation, highlighting her ethical standards and past performance. She expressed her bewilderment at the accusations of election interference, which she acknowledged is a serious crime.