Full Breakdown
Trump Shares AI-Generated Video Mocking Stephen Colbert After Late-Show Finale
5/23/2026, 6:59:23 AM
AI Video Depicts Trump Tossing Colbert Into Dumpster
On Friday evening, President Donald J. Trump posted an AI-generated clip on Truth Social and X that shows him walking onto the set of *The Late Show*, grabbing Stephen Colbert by the shoulders, lifting him into a dumpster, closing the lid and dancing to Village People’s “YMCA.” The edited scene concludes with a cheering audience as the song plays.
Feud Context and Late-Show Cancellation
The video follows a feud in which Colbert repeatedly mocked Trump. In July, CBS announced the cancellation of *The Late Show*, describing it as a financial decision that ended a 33-year franchise. The move came days after Colbert criticized Paramount’s $16 million settlement with Trump over a 2024 *60 Minutes* interview. The final episode featured Paul McCartney and joint appearances by Jimmy Kimmel, Jimmy Fallon, Seth Meyers and John Oliver.
Viewership and Settlement Figures
The final episode attracted 6.74 million viewers, the most-watched weeknight episode of Colbert’s 11-year tenure, while the season averaged 2.7 million. Paramount’s settlement with Trump, cited by Colbert, was reported at $16 million and related to allegations that a 2024 interview with then-Vice President Kamala Harris had been deceptively edited.
Official Statements from Trump, the White House, and CBS
Trump’s Truth Social post framed Colbert’s dismissal as a decisive end for hosts he described as untalented, nasty, and highly overpaid, and suggested other late-night programs would follow. He also praised CBS News’ direction. The White House account on X shared the AI video with a brief caption. CBS reiterated that the cancellation stemmed from financial considerations and was not a reflection of the show’s ratings or content.
Criticism and Opposition to the AI Video
House Minority Leader Hakeem Jeffries denounced the AI videos as unacceptable, reflecting broader concerns about political figures using synthetic media to attack opponents. Media analysts described the clip as an escalation in the Trump-Colbert feud and warned that such AI-generated content could distort public discourse and raise ethical questions about political communication.
Conflicting Accounts and Verification Gaps
While CBS framed the cancellation as a financial decision, critics argued it coincided with Colbert’s on-air criticism of Paramount’s $16 million settlement, suggesting political pressure. No source provided independent verification of the AI video’s synthetic origin, leaving its technical authenticity unconfirmed.
Verbatim Quotes
- “Bye-bye.” — White House, X account
- “Stephen Colbert’s firing from CBS was the ‘Beginning of the End’ for untalented, nasty, highly overpaid, not funny, and very poorly rated Late Night Television Hosts. Others, of even less talent, to soon follow. May they all Rest in Peace!” — Donald J. Trump, Truth Social
- “disgusting.” — Hakeem Jeffries, House Minority Leader
- “Thank goodness he’s finally gone!” — Donald J. Trump, Truth Social
- “purely a financial decision against a challenging backdrop in late night,” — CBS spokesperson
What’s Next
Media watchdogs have signaled intent to examine compliance with platform policies. Trump’s campaign has not indicated whether additional AI-generated material will be released.
