HOLLYWOOD, CA—Finding it increasingly difficult to compete in the current cultural climate, a report released Thursday revealed that comedians are struggling to find consistent work as the general public turns to politics to get their chuckles.

"Comedy just isn't what it used to be," said Dr. Adam Reynolds, a humourologist at the University of Hilarity. "The report we have released today shows that modern day comedians aren't able to secure the consistent stream of work that they used to only ten years ago. We have been able to attribute the decline in comedy clubs and other spaces for up-and-coming humourists to cultural shifts. Most notably how the general public has turned away from traditional stand-up to the world of politics to get their fix of hilarity."

The report's findings indicated that world leaders have been encroaching further into the realm of comedy in recent years, essentially "transforming public service and office into a punchline itself." Furthermore, some experts went so far as to accuse U.S. President Donald Trump of intentionally hindering the comedy industry by being one of the funniest idiots to ever grace the public stage without even trying.

"So, uh… what's the deal with airline food, huh?" quipped aspiring and rapidly bombing comedian Noah Smith in a half-empty comedy club. "Okay, well… I guess that didn't work. Um… how about this: why don't oysters donate to charity? Oh, just wait for it… wait for it… they're shellfish! Haha! Right? Guys? Please don't leave. Wait, you over there, are you laughing? Oh my gosh! You're laughing! Yes! Wait… what the hell? Are you laughing at Trump trying to explain tariffs on fucking CNN?! Y'know what, fuck it! I give up!"

At press time, major 24/7 news networks including CNN, CBS News, and NBC News announced they would begin showing their rolling political coverage directly into comedy clubs across America in an effort to keep the comedy industry from entirely collapsing.