Stephen Colbert Criticizes Trump as “The Late Show” Prepares to End
As Stephen Colbert gears up to exit his talk show, he has voiced strong criticism of former President Donald Trump in a recent interview with The New York Times.
CBS announced back in July that “The Late Show with Stephen Colbert” would be canceled, concluding its run in May 2026. Some liberal observers suggest that the network’s decision is an effort to placate Trump and facilitate the upcoming merger between Paramount Global and Skydance Media.
In the interview, Colbert responded to questions about the Trump administration’s alleged focus on him, asserting that it merely reflects authoritarian tendencies. “Authoritarians don’t appreciate those who don’t grant them undue respect. Comedians, in a way, serve as anti-authoritarian figures, and such figures tend to irk authoritarians,” he remarked. He added how many journalists have expressed envy over the freedom comedians have in speaking out.
“I think it’s bothering them,” Colbert mentioned. “Perhaps they’re frustrated that we don’t operate within their realm of authority.” The conversation shifted as the interviewer pointed out that many late-night hosts, including Colbert, have become targets of political scrutiny and questioned if he regretted this path amid the increasing partisanship in late-night TV.
Colbert clarified that he doesn’t have an issue with Trump being a Republican but takes issue with what he views as Trump’s self-serving narcissism that endangers broader society. “That’s not a partisan stance,” he argued, recalling his earlier career when he parodied Republican pundits.
He rejected the idea of late-night shows being labeled as partisan, describing accusations to this effect as a form of “roughing up the referee.” Colbert insisted that such labels don’t align with the reality of his comedic expression, noting that criticisms often stem from a misunderstanding of his intentions.
Beyond the implications of costs and the supposed appeasement of Trump, many see Colbert’s departure as a reflection of shifts in the media landscape. With a surge of podcasts and declining ratings for traditional late-night shows, the future seems uncertain for this format.
The final season of “The Late Show with Stephen Colbert” has been met with mixed reviews, with some critics deeming it subpar for television. The White House press secretary has weighed in, calling Colbert’s show a “pathetic failure,” citing low ratings as a key factor in the cancellation.
