Trump Celebrates Cancellation of Colbert's 'Late Show,' Targets Kimmel

In a surprising turn of events, former President Donald Trump expressed his delight over the cancellation of Stephen Colbert's 'The Late Show' on CBS, characterizing the decision as a victory for conservative media. Trump, who took to his social media platform Truth Social on July 18, 2025, stated, "I absolutely love that Colbert got fired. His talent was even less than his ratings." He went further to predict the imminent cancellation of Jimmy Kimmel's show, labeling Kimmel as possessing 'even less talent than Colbert'.

Colbert, who has hosted 'The Late Show' for a decade, announced the cancellation just days prior, revealing that he had been informed of the network's decision the night before. The show is set to conclude in May 2026. CBS cited financial reasons for the cancellation, adding that it was a challenging time for late-night programming. In a statement, CBS noted, "The decision is purely financial, reflecting the current economic landscape of late-night television."

The abrupt end of 'The Late Show' has sparked widespread debate regarding potential political motivations behind the cancellation. Colbert had recently criticized CBS's parent company, Paramount Global, for settling a $16 million lawsuit brought by Trump regarding the editing of a '60 Minutes' interview. Colbert condemned the settlement as a "big fat bribe," which many believe may have contributed to the show's cancellation.

Senator Elizabeth Warren (D-Mass.) expressed her concerns over possible political motivations for Colbert's cancellation, tweeting, "CBS canceled Colbert’s show just THREE DAYS after Colbert called out CBS parent company Paramount for its $16M settlement with Trump — a deal that looks like bribery. America deserves to know if his show was canceled for political reasons."

Similarly, Senator Adam Schiff (D-Calif.) echoed Warren's sentiments, stating, "If Paramount and CBS ended the Late Show for political reasons, the public deserves to know. And deserves better." The Writers Guild of America also expressed alarm over the cancellation, stating, "Cancelations are part of the business, but a corporation terminating a show in bad faith due to explicit or implicit political pressure is dangerous and unacceptable in a democratic society."

In the wake of the cancellation, fellow late-night hosts have come to Colbert's defense. Jimmy Kimmel, who has been a vocal critic of Trump, shared his dismay over the news, stating, "I’m just as shocked as everyone. Stephen is one of the sharpest, funniest hosts to ever do it." Kimmel's sentiments reflect a growing concern among comedians about the implications of political influence over media platforms.

Colbert's departure from CBS marks a significant shift in the landscape of late-night television. 'The Late Show' has been a staple of CBS's programming since its debut, and its cancellation raises questions about the future of late-night comedy in an increasingly polarized media environment.

As discussions surrounding the cancellation continue, it is evident that the intersection of politics and entertainment remains a volatile space. With Trump’s ongoing influence over media narratives, the implications for late-night hosts remain uncertain. The future of late-night television may hinge on the ability of hosts to navigate this challenging landscape while maintaining their comedic integrity.

In summary, the cancellation of 'The Late Show' not only impacts Colbert but also serves as a bellwether for the broader dynamics between political influence and media representation in contemporary society. As Trump continues to weigh in on late-night programming, the industry may face increased scrutiny and pressure, challenging the comedic freedoms traditionally enjoyed by hosts. The fallout from this cancellation could reverberate across the television landscape, prompting further discussions about the power dynamics between media corporations and political figures.