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Donald Trump ‘delighted’ by cancellation of Stephen Colbert’s ‘Late Show’
In a move that has sent shockwaves through American television, Donald Trump expressed his satisfaction at the cancellation of The Late Show with Stephen Colbert in a post on Truth Social. Colbert, the widely-known host of the popular late-night show, announced on Thursday, July 18, 2025, that his show would be ending after its current season, with the finale slated for May 2026.
Trump, who has long been a target of Colbert’s sharp political satire, took to social media to celebrate, stating, “I am absolutely delighted that Colbert has been fired." His words came just hours after Colbert made the shock announcement in front of a stunned New York studio audience. The cancellation has ignited a storm of controversy, with some praising the decision, while others argue it’s an example of political censorship.
Financial Reasons or Political Influence?
CBS, the network behind the late-night talk show, cited "purely financial reasons" for the program’s termination. Paramount, the parent company of CBS, has yet to confirm any other motives for the sudden end to the iconic show, which had been a staple of late-night television since Colbert took over in 2015, following David Letterman’s retirement.
Colbert’s Late Show had remained a top performer in the late-night category for several years, particularly in the first quarter of 2025, where it averaged 2.4 million viewers, ahead of its competitors Jimmy Kimmel (ABC) and Jimmy Fallon (NBC). However, Trump claimed that Colbert’s talent had never matched his ratings, going on to say, "I hear Jimmy Kimmel is next. He’s even less talented than Colbert!"
Political Backlash and Accusations of Censorship
The abrupt cancellation of the show has sparked intense reactions on social media. Many see it as a direct attack on free speech and a politically motivated decision designed to silence Colbert’s often biting political commentary. Conservative voices, on the other hand, celebrated the end of what they called a "liberal propaganda" program, while others accuse CBS of bowing to Trump’s political influence.
The controversy intensified when Colbert recently criticized a $16 million payment from Paramount to Donald Trump, alleging that the network had edited an interview with Vice President Kamala Harris to make her appear more favorable, something Colbert referred to as a “huge bribe.” Democratic leaders like Senator Elizabeth Warren and Representative Adam Schiff have pointed to this payment as a sign of potential corruption, questioning whether the show’s cancellation is tied to these political pressures.
Speculations of a ‘Bribe’ and the Role of Paramount
The cancellation has drawn suspicions of a "bribe" orchestrated by Paramount to secure Trump’s approval for the company’s ongoing merger with Skydance, a deal valued at $28 billion. The Writers Guild of America (WGA) has called for an investigation into possible corporate malfeasance, alleging that Paramount sacrificed its editorial independence to curry favor with the Trump administration.
The Federal Communications Commission (FCC), which must approve the merger, is reportedly considering the Trump lawsuit settlement as part of its review process. Brendan Carr, the head of the FCC, was appointed by Trump and is under pressure to disclose whether the network’s cancellation of The Late Show is linked to political dealings.
Is This the End of Late-Night TV as We Know It?
While Colbert’s departure marks a significant moment in television history, it raises the question of whether the political climate in the United States is starting to take a toll on late-night television in general. Jimmy Fallon, a close colleague of Colbert, expressed his shock on Instagram, stating, "I’m as shocked as everyone. Stephen is one of the brightest and funniest people to ever host. I really thought our shows would go on for years." Jimmy Kimmel also voiced his disappointment, calling out CBS for what he saw as an unjustifiable move.
For now, The Late Show with Stephen Colbert is scheduled to end next May, but with political pressure mounting, the situation continues to evolve. Will the fallout have broader implications for other late-night hosts? Only time will tell.