Full Breakdown
Trump Targets Colbert: A Call for Cancellation
12/24/2025, 8:08:50 PM
Core Narrative: Trump's Attack on Stephen Colbert
President Donald Trump has publicly criticized late-night host Stephen Colbert, branding him a "dead man walking" and urging CBS to cancel his show immediately rather than waiting until its scheduled end in May 2026. This outburst follows CBS's announcement of the show's cancellation, which Trump celebrated earlier this year.
The Attack on Colbert
In a series of posts on Truth Social, Trump described Colbert as a "pathetic trainwreck" lacking the necessary talent for success in show business. He claimed that Colbert's ratings were "nonexistent" and accused him of running on "hatred and fumes." Trump insisted that CBS should "put him to sleep" immediately, framing it as a humanitarian act. He further questioned which network had the worst late-night host, asserting that CBS, ABC, and NBC shared traits of "high salaries, no talent, and really low ratings."
Background on CBS's Decision
CBS announced in July 2025 that it would cancel "The Late Show with Stephen Colbert," citing financial reasons. The decision has drawn scrutiny, particularly given Colbert's critical stance toward Trump and the timing of the announcement, which followed a $16 million settlement between Paramount Global (CBS's parent company) and Trump regarding a lawsuit over a deceptive interview edit. Colbert's final episode is set to air in May 2026.
Criticism & Opposition
Colbert has been a vocal critic of Trump, often using his platform to lampoon the president and his policies. In response to Trump's attacks, Colbert has previously stated, "Go f**k yourself," indicating his disdain for Trump's comments. Critics of Trump's remarks argue that his calls for cancellation reflect an attempt to silence dissenting voices in the media landscape.
Official Statements & Responses
While CBS has not publicly responded to Trump's recent comments, they previously emphasized that the cancellation of Colbert's show was purely a financial decision and not politically motivated. Trump's remarks about terminating broadcast licenses for networks that he perceives as negative toward him have raised concerns about press freedom and the implications of such threats.
What's Next
As Colbert prepares for the final season of his show, the late-night landscape remains uncertain. Trump's ongoing criticism of late-night hosts, including Jimmy Kimmel and Seth Meyers, suggests that he may continue to target those who challenge him in the media. The dynamics between Trump and late-night television will likely evolve as the political climate shifts leading up to the 2024 presidential election.
Verbatim Quotes
- “ "Stephen Colbert is a pathetic trainwreck, with no talent or anything else necessary for show business success.” — Donald Trump
- “A dead man walking! CBS should, ‘put him to sleep,’ NOW, it is the humanitarian thing to do!” — Donald Trump
- “Who has the worst Late Night host, CBS, ABC, or NBC??? They all have three things in common: High Salaries, No Talent, REALLY LOW RATINGS!” — Donald Trump
This ongoing conflict between Trump and Colbert exemplifies the contentious relationship between political figures and the media, particularly in the realm of late-night comedy.
