Donald Trump celebrates CBS canceling Stephen Colbert’s ‘The Late Show’

Trump Cheers as Colbert Gets the Boot

Stephen Colbert’s sudden exit from The Late Show has sent shockwaves through the world of late-night TV. But it’s not just the cancellation that’s making headlines; it’s who’s cheering it on.

Former President Donald Trump is celebrating the move, and his reaction is fueling even more controversy. What really led to CBS pulling the plug, and why is Trump so thrilled?

The Big Announcement

CBS stunned viewers by announcing that The Late Show with Stephen Colbert will be canceled, ending the franchise after a decade of Colbert’s hosting. The network stated the cancellation was purely financial, blaming declining ad revenue and rising production costs across late-night television.

The decision surprised many because the show had maintained top ratings for nine straight seasons, marking it as a consistent leader in its time slot. Unpacking this announcement reveals tensions between business decisions, creative content, and political forces at play.

Colbert’s On-Air Reaction

Stephen Colbert himself broke the news on air, telling his audience that the upcoming season will be the last, concluding in May 2026. As he delivered the announcement, the audience responded with audible gasps and boos, signaling how deeply attached they were to the show.

Colbert expressed gratitude toward his staff, CBS executives, and loyal fans, calling the moment emotional and heartfelt. His monologue also carried an undercurrent of skepticism, foreshadowing the controversy that followed.

Financial Explanation from CBS

CBS explained that the cancellation was driven by a changing landscape in late-night TV, where ad revenues have dropped sharply and production costs have surged. The network cited an annual loss of around $40 million, a decline exacerbated by the move of viewers to streaming platforms and reduced broadcast advertising.

They insisted the decision was detached from the show’s content or Stephen Colbert’s performance, calling it a purely economic choice. This explanation reflects broader industry struggles that have led to cost-cutting across traditional television networks.

Industry Context

Late-night television in the U.S. has been facing a shake-up for years, with audiences shifting to streaming and social media. CBS is the first of the major networks to drop its flagship late-night show entirely, signaling a broader industry pivot.

Ad sales for late-night programming have declined by over 50% since the late 2010s, squeezing profitability and leading networks to rethink their strategies. The collapse of this longstanding format highlights the pressure on legacy media to adapt.

The Timing and Settlement

The cancellation announcement came just days after Paramount Global, CBS’s parent company, settled a $16 million lawsuit with former President Donald Trump regarding a “60 Minutes” interview. Colbert had criticized this settlement on air, calling it a “big fat bribe,” which some argue aligned the cancellation with political motives.

The proximity of these two events has fueled speculation that creative dissent may have played a role. Critics suggest the timing influenced internal decision-making within the company hierarchy.

Trump’s Public Celebration

Donald Trump reacted swiftly, posting on Truth Social that he “absolutely loves” Colbert’s firing and mocking his talent as less than his ratings. He added a pointed jab, implying Jimmy Kimmel might be next and contrasting both unfavorably to Greg Gutfeld.

This reaction not only celebrates the cancellation but frames it as part of an ongoing feud between Trump and late-night liberal voices. It also raises concerns about how political figures may influence entertainment decisions.

Colbert’s Sharp Reply

In response, Colbert delivered a pointed monologue telling Trump to “Go f– yourself,” delivering the phrase with dramatic emphasis on a special “eloquence cam.” He challenged the financial rationale by questioning where the alleged loss of up to $50 million went, implying the $16 million settlement to Trump factored in.

Colbert’s words landed powerfully with fans, earning praise for his wit and courage in the face of political attack. It affirmed his role as a vocal critic of Trump, even under pressure.

Outrage from Late-Night Peers

Jon Stewart reacted furiously on The Daily Show, calling CBS’s decision “wrong” and accusing the network of bowing to political pressure tied to Trump. He suggested the cancellation was less about finance and more about protecting a lucrative corporate merger with Skydance Media.

Stewart’s fiery defense highlighted the potential chilling effects of corporate fear on free speech in entertainment. He affirmed that outspoken satire helps shape cultural conversation and should not be stifled.

Support from Other Comedians

Celebrities like John Oliver expressed sadness at the news while also anticipating Colbert’s next moves, noting his talent and influence extend beyond CBS. Jimmy Kimmel publicly showed solidarity by posting anti-Trump messages on social media and defending Colbert.

This broader support from comedic peers underscores the sense of loss felt within the creative community. It also highlights the camaraderie among liberal hosts under political pressure.

Political Backlash

Leading Democrats, including Senators Elizabeth Warren and Bernie Sanders, questioned whether the move was politically motivated, pointing to the recent Trump settlement. They demanded transparency and suggested the public deserves to know if corporate decisions were influenced by political appeasement.

The Writers Guild of America also called for investigation, citing free speech concerns and corporate responsibility. The cancellation became a flashpoint in the debate over media independence and political pressure behind the scenes.

The Economic Toll

The cancellation illustrates a deep economic dilemma facing late-night television: declining ad spend and content costs at cross purposes. Even top-rated shows can hemorrhage money when advertising revenue dips.

CBS may have decided that sustaining a high-profile political talk show with expensive production and talent was no longer viable. Executives are opting for leaner models and digital-first strategies instead.

Merger Drivers

Paramount’s pending $8–8.4 billion merger with Skydance Media hinges on FCC approval, where political optics and corporate behavior may matter. Canceling politically provocative content could be seen as a gesture to avoid regulatory scrutiny or backlash.

Trump’s administration has influence over merger oversight, making timing critical. Thus, canceling Colbert’s show may tie directly to strategic concerns beyond simple financial calculations.

Viewership Trends

Colbert had led late-night ratings for years, often surpassing Tonight Show and Jimmy Kimmel Live. He still averaged around 2.4 million viewers per night, while competitors trailed behind.

Despite this, TV viewership is fragmenting, with many younger audiences migrating to streaming and short-form platforms. This shift reduces the impact of traditional ratings on advertising revenue.

Cultural Loss

The cancellation signals the end of one of the most outspoken political voices on network television. Colbert’s satire often shaped national conversations, and losing that platform diminishes the visibility of progressive critique.

Fans fear that fewer voices will challenge powerful figures, particularly in an era when misinformation is rampant. The move deepens concerns about the homogenization of media and a shrinking space for dissent.

Donald Trump often finds himself in hot water, as Rod Stewart said he’s no longer friends with Donald Trump. Broken: HTTP 0

Social Media Reactions

Online audiences rallied behind Colbert, praising his monologue and criticizing CBS. Clips of his remarks went viral on Instagram, Twitter, TikTok, and YouTube. Many fans framed him as a martyr for free speech and celebrated his refusal to back down.

In other news, Donald Trump’s granddaughter Kai surprises fans with Dunkin’ Drive-Thru shift.

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This slideshow was made with AI assistance and human editing.