Stephen Colbert mocks Donald Trump's tax avoidance by comparing him to Hannibal Lecter

Stephen Colbert ridiculed Republican presidential nominee Donald Trump and his campaign on Monday's "Late Show" for their response to the news that Trump may have avoided paying income tax over a period of 18 years.

"Three pages of Donald Trump's 1995 tax return were leaked, revealing that he declared a $916 million loss from his three Atlantic City casinos," Colbert said, citing a recent investigative report by The New York Times.

"But here's the thing," he continued. "As a real estate developer, he was then able to use that loss to wipe out $50 million a year in taxable income over 18 years. Well, when life gives you lemons, don't pay taxes."

The "Late Show" host then knocked former New York City mayor Rudy Giuliani, a Trump surrogate, who recently called Trump a "genius" for his $916 million loss and apparent tax avoidance. 

"Yes, only a genius could lose a billion dollars running a casino," Colbert quipped. 

Colbert then pointed out a tweet from Trump aimed at the "#failing" New York Times for its report, stating, "I know our complex tax laws better than anyone who has ever run for president and am the only one who can fix them."

"Yes, he's the only one who can fix our tax codes, just like Hannibal Lecter is the only one who can catch Buffalo Bill," Colbert joked. "'I'd like to help you fix the tax code, Clarice, but first hand over Hillary Clinton's liver. I'd like to eat it with some fava beans and a nice chianti.'"

Watch the segment below: