Stephen Colbert’s tenure as host of CBS’s “The Late Show” came to a close on May 21, marking the end of an eleven-year era. The show’s finale was promptly followed by a striking response from former President Donald Trump, who took to social media to express his thoughts on Colbert’s departure from the late-night comedy scene.
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The day after the final episode aired, Jason Miller, a senior adviser to Trump, shared a satirical, AI-generated video showing the former president hurling Colbert into a dumpster. The clip was uploaded to the official White House Instagram account and depicted Trump engaging in celebratory antics to the tune of the Village People’s “Y.M.C.A.” The post’s cheeky caption stated: “Bye-bye,” accompanied by a waving emoji.


This juxtaposition of comedy and politics was characteristic of the often-contentious relationship Colbert had with Trump throughout his time on “The Late Show.” Upon the conclusion of the finale, Trump did not hold back his criticism. He posted on Truth Social shortly after the show aired, remarking on Colbert’s lengthy run and opining that Colbert lacked talent and appeal. Trump labelled the host “a total jerk” and concluded with “Thank goodness he’s finally gone!”
As the dust settled from Colbert’s final appearance, it was announced that CBS would not be seeking a replacement host for the show. Instead, the network opted to replace “The Late Show” with Byron Allen’s comedy series “Comics Unleashed.” The decision was precipitated by CBS facing financial pressures, notably following the impending merger of its parent company, Paramount, with Skydance, a move that was to be vetted by the Trump administration.
In addition to his initial comments, Trump later expressed his belief that Colbert’s cancellation signalled a troubling trend for late-night television as a whole. He described other hosts as “untalented” and “poorly rated,” suggesting that Colbert’s departure was merely the beginning of a widespread shift in the late-night landscape.
The decision to cancel “The Late Show” was officially attributed to financial considerations in July 2025. Colbert was no stranger to critiques of the Trump administration, making it evident in his performances over the years. Despite moving away from the political fray, the residual effects of Trump’s tenure and the ongoing cultural discourse surrounding his presidency cast a long shadow over Colbert’s legacy.
Colbert, in a previous interview, reflected on the nature of Trump’s obsession with his show. He described the president’s fixation on the host’s commentary as frivolous, commenting that it likely diminished the seriousness of the presidential office. “We’re clowns,” he said, questioning how much attention Trump should be paying to comedic critiques.
While he had not anticipated this abrupt ending to his show, Colbert expressed a mixed sense of relief and contemplation over the future. Acknowledging that the pressure of maintaining a daily show was intense, he mused, “Maybe CBS saved my life… It takes a lot of bone marrow to do the show every day.” He indicated that stepping back could afford him the energy to pursue other personal interests.
Looking ahead, Colbert affirmed his unwavering dedication to America, despite stepping away from the late-night platform. “I will never stop caring about my country,” he stated, upholding his identity as a citizen engaged in societal dialogue. Though appealing to an audience through comedy, he did not see his absence as a catalyst for national decline.
As “The Late Show” turns the page on its expansive history, Colbert’s influence on late-night television remains notable. His perspective highlighted the intersection of comedy and politics, a dynamic that underpinned much of his work and resonated with audiences during a tumultuous social period. With the future of late-night television seemingly in flux, viewers and pundits alike await to see how the landscape will transform in the wake of such change.
