Conan O’Brien’s Former Co-Host Andy Richter Slams Donald Trump

In the midst of Donald Trump’s seemingly endless fight against the media, Conan O’Brien’s former co-host, Andy Richter, decided to voice his opinion on the president’s behavior. And, he did not hold back.

In an interview with Entertainment Weekly, Richter revealed that if he and O’Brien (who left on his own free will) were still on the air, they would also be criticizing Trump’s actions, especially regarding his attacks on late-night hosts. He explained that the President of the United States needs to be called out and held accountable for his actions. He told the publication, “We would be doing what everyone else of them is doing. Which is all gas and no brakes. Because f‑‑‑ that guy, you know?“

Richter was the writer, announcer, and co-host on three of O’Brien’s shows for nearly thirty years (Late Night, The Tonight Show, and Conan). He believes that although he is no longer on the late-night scene, the current hosts must continue to use their platforms to fight back against injustice and Trump’s attack on free speech.

This isn’t the first time Richter has spoken out against the current president. During Jimmy Kimmel’s infamous suspension, he fought for the late-night host alongside their colleagues. Before Kimmel’s suspension was lifted, Richter was asked if the former was to return to ABC, should he stop speaking about Trump. He responded by saying that the host should continue to push back and not cave in to the president or the network’s demands. “No, he should go harder. There’s no question.”

He proceeded to call Trump “weak” and criticized him for being so thin-skinned. He added that the professional thing to do would have been to just ignore the hosts who were making fun of him and move on with his day instead of lashing out.

This is outrageous. It’s un-American, and also shows the absolute chickens‑‑‑ cowardice of somebody that can’t take a joke.” Though he acknowledges that business isn’t booming for late-night TV the way it was 30, 20, even 10 years ago, Richter finds Trump’s response to being lampooned unacceptable.

You ignore it. If somebody’s making fun of you, ignore them. But it shows the profound insecurity, weakness, childishness, and also lack of content that this administration has. That they have to take so seriously and use the wheels of government to crush joke makers. It is just so indicative of, I wanna say small dick,” Richter quips, “but just weak, weak, weak, weak people. Weak, uncreative, not real bright people

Richter concluded the interview by offering some words of advice, not just for Trump, but for all public figures. “If you’re going after the joke makers, you’re probably wrong. That’s just a general rule that I would that I would recommend for everyone to go on.”

Birthdate

October 28, 1966

Birthplace

Grand Rapids, Michigan, USA

Notable Projects

Madagascar, Madagascar: Escape 2 Africa