Full Breakdown
Springsteen Criticizes Trump and Ellisons on Colbert’s Penultimate Late Show
5/21/2026, 8:17:22 PM
Springsteen’s Penultimate Late Show Appearance
On Wednesday, Bruce Springsteen took the stage during Stephen Colbert’s second-to-last episode of *The Late Show* on CBS. After a brief intro, Springsteen delivered remarks targeting President Donald Trump and billionaire brothers Larry and David Ellison before performing “Streets of Minneapolis,” a song linked to recent ICE raids in Minnesota.
Background & Context
CBS announced last summer that *The Late Show* would end, citing financial reasons. The decision coincided with Paramount’s pending sale to the Ellisons’ Skydance Media, which received FCC approval shortly before the cancellation. Earlier, Paramount settled Trump’s $16 million lawsuit against CBS, a move Colbert later called a “big fat bribe.”
Timeline
- Last summer: CBS announced that *The Late Show* would end, citing financial reasons.
- Shortly before the cancellation, FCC approved Paramount’s sale to Skydance Media, owned by Larry and David Ellison.
- Paramount settled Trump’s $16 million lawsuit against CBS before the sale.
- Wednesday: Springsteen appeared on Colbert’s penultimate episode; ICE raids in Minnesota killed two protesters.
Data & Statistics
The Minnesota ICE operation left two protesters dead: Renee Good and Alex Pretti.
Why It Matters
The episode blends entertainment, corporate consolidation, and political commentary, raising questions about media independence, billionaire owners’ influence on news, and the role of artists in shaping discourse on government actions.
Official Statements & Responses
CBS issued a release confirming the cancellation, citing “financial considerations.” Paramount’s settlement of Trump’s lawsuit was noted as a $16 million payment. When asked about the show’s end, Trump indicated he would issue a statement later.
Criticism & Opposition
Springsteen framed Trump as “a president who can’t take a joke” and called the Ellisons “small-minded” people “who got no idea what the freedoms of this beautiful country are supposed to be about.” Colbert’s earlier condemnation of the lawsuit settlement highlighted concerns about corporate influence on media.
On-the-Ground Reports
ICE raids in Minnesota, which prompted Springsteen’s song choice, resulted in the fatal shooting of Good and Pretti, underscoring ongoing tensions between federal immigration enforcement and local activist movements.
Verbatim Quotes
- “I’m here in support tonight for Stephen, because you’re the first guy in America who has lost his show because we got a president who can’t take a joke,” — Bruce Springsteen, Musician
- “And because Larry and David Ellison feel they need to kiss his ass to get what they want. Anyway, Stephen, these are small-minded people. They got no idea what the freedoms of this beautiful country are supposed to be about.” — Bruce Springsteen, Musician
- “I’ll have a message on a later date.” — Donald Trump, Former President
- “big fat bribe.” — Stephen Colbert, Television Host
What’s Next
Colbert’s final episode is upcoming, and Trump has indicated a forthcoming statement. The Ellisons’ acquisition of Paramount, which received FCC approval, is noted as a significant corporate development.
