Stephen Colbert Stuns Audience With Sharp Jab at a Long-Forgotten Obama-Era Controversy During Star-Studded Presidential Center Celebration 🎭

The two comedians were also joined by Obama Foundation Board Chairman Martin Nesbitt during the opening of the Obama Presidential Center

Stephen Colbert and David Letterman gave playful nod to Obama’s tan suit controversy (Taylor Hill, Alex Wong, Win McNamee/Getty Images)

CHICAGO, ILLINOIS: Stephen Colbert and David Letterman were in attendance for the opening of the Obama Presidential Center in Chicago on Thursday, June 18.

But the two comedians took the opportunity to pay tribute to Barack Obama’s over a decade old controversial look by wearing shades of tan.

Stephen Colbert and Letterman’s beige outfits

Stephen Colbert (L) and David Letterman look on during the dedication ceremony for the opening of the Barack Obama Presidential Center in John Lewis Plaza on June 18, 2026 in Chicago, Illinois. Barack Obama served as the 44th president of the United States from 2009 to 2017 and was the first African American to hold the office. (Photo by Win McNamee/Getty Images) — Stephen Colbert (L) and David Letterman look on during the dedication ceremony for the opening of the Barack Obama Presidential Center in John Lewis Plaza on June 18, 2026 in Chicago, Illinois (Win McNamee/Getty Images)

Colbert paired a light beige suit with a blue-and-brown striped tie for the event while the veteran TV host rocked a tan blazer.

Their looks were inspired by the former president’s 2014 tan suit controversy, which erupted when he donned a light beige suit for a press conference discussing the US military strategy against ISIS.

President Barack Obama makes a statement at the James Brady Press Briefing Room of the White House August 28, 2014 in Washington, DC. President Obama spoke on various topics including possible action against ISIL and immigration reform. (Photo by Alex Wong/Getty Images) — President Barack Obama makes a statement at the James Brady Press Briefing Room of the White House August 28, 2014 in Washington, DC (Alex Wong/Getty Images)

Barack Obama was accused of ‘lack of seriousness’

At the time, the first Black president of the US was called out for lacking “seriousness” and behaving in an “unpresidential” way. Then-congressman Rep. Peter King (R-N.Y.) had said, “I thought the suit was a metaphor for his lack of seriousness.”

In response, then-White House Press Secretary Josh Earnest had said, “The president stands squarely behind his decision he made yesterday to wear his summer suit.”

Obama claims to proudly own tan suit

Also recently when Obama appeared on an episode of ‘The Late Show With Stephen Colbert’, he himself addressed the controversy.

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While promoting as well as giving a glimpse of the newly-opened library, Colbert asked him, “Is it safe to assume that some of these displays commemorate your greatest achievements as president? Is there a wing dedicated to the greatest blunders? Is the tan suit here? I’m asking if the tan suit is here.”

“Listen, I own that tan suit proudly, brother,” Obama replied. The 62-year-old further asked, “When you look back at the tan suit, what occurs to you?” as the politician, 64, added, “Fly.”

Martin Nesbitt’s tan suit was loved by Obama

Meanwhile, Colbert and Letterman were not the only ones supporting Obama in tan outfits. Obama Foundation Chairman Martin Nesbitt also donned one and even asked the crowd, “How y’all like my tan suit?”

Martin Nesbitt speaks during the dedication ceremony for the Obama Presidential Center, Thursday, June 18, 2026, in Chicago. (AP Photo/Jeff Roberson) — Martin Nesbitt speaks during the dedication ceremony for the Obama Presidential Center, Thursday, June 18, 2026, in Chicago (AP Photo/Jeff Roberson)

“It was inspired by a very good friend of mine who made tan suits famous. I don’t know about the rest of you all, but I thought he looked pretty good wearing his, so I decided to wear one myself,” he said.

Obama liked Nesbitt’s nod as he told him, “I love that tan suit. That is sharp. You look good.”

“They say imitation is the sincerest form of flattery,” Nesbitt responded.

Other celebrities who were present at the opening were L.L. Cool J, Oprah Winfrey, Tom Hanks, and Mark Hamill. In addition, artists like Stevie Wonder, Bruce Springsteen, and U2’s Bono and The Edge performed at the occasion.