On August 20, 2024, former House Speaker Nancy Pelosi appeared on “The Late Show With Stephen Colbert” to discuss the Democratic National Convention and other current issues. During the interview, pro-Palestine protesters disrupted the show, calling for an end to U.S. support for Israel and its actions in Gaza. The protesters managed to interrupt Pelosi twice, leading to a tense situation during the live broadcast.
As Pelosi began to address speculation about her influence on President Joe Biden’s decision to step aside from the 2024 Democratic ticket, the protesters’ voices were heard from the audience. Colbert acknowledged the disruption and explained to viewers that the protest was focused on Israel and Palestine, noting that they were currently on a commercial break.
When the show resumed, Colbert asked Pelosi about the role of the United States in the ongoing conflict between Israel and Palestine. He highlighted the internal Democratic dissent regarding U.S. foreign policy and sought Pelosi’s perspective on how the U.S. should engage to promote peace and prosperity for both sides.
Pelosi defended President Biden’s handling of the situation, emphasizing the importance of securing Israeli hostages and ending the assault on Gaza. She expressed hope for a ceasefire agreement and reiterated that war should not be a solution in a civilized society. Despite the protesters’ discontent with her stance, Pelosi argued that Israel has a right to defend itself and stressed the need for a two-state solution.
The disruption ended when the protesters reportedly left of their own accord, and the situation was resolved peacefully. Colbert had urged the protesters to respect the interview and promised to address their concerns, while Pelosi maintained her position on the conflict and the role of the U.S. in achieving long-term peace.