On with Kara Swisher The Onion’s Ben Collins on Political Satire & Why Trump Isn’t Funny
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Feb 2, 2026 
Ben Collins, former disinformation reporter turned CEO of The Onion, revived the satirical paper with a print relaunch and bold digital moves. He discusses satire’s role when reality outpaces parody. They explore satire vs. cruelty, punching up at power, competing with absurd real-world news, print strategy, and an attempted Infowars takeover.
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Bad Pedophile's DIY Theatrical Rescue
- The Onion made a mockumentary titled Jeffrey Epstein, Bad Pedophile and used provocative props in production.
- After a distributor dropped it following Charlie Kirk's shooting, independent cinemas screened it nationwide and added shows.
Why Trump’s 'Humor' Rings Hollow
- Trump uses a bullying, post-sincere mode that mimics humor but lacks genuine comedic payoff.
- Collins argues this style attracts attention but isn't truly funny or illuminating and has a limited shelf life.
Print Sparks Durable Engagement
- Print can outperform fleeting social posts by creating lasting engagement.
- Collins revived The Onion's print because physical copies stick in readers' minds and drove most subscription revenue.