The White House clarified on Tuesday that President Donald Trump had no influence over CBS’ cancellation of “The Late Show with Stephen Colbert.” This statement followed Colbert’s evasive response regarding Trump after winning an Emmy in Los Angeles, where he also expressed his support for free speech.
Colbert’s show, which claimed the Outstanding Variety Series award at the 78th Primetime Emmy Awards, wrapped up its run in May. In a post-Emmy interview, he expressed hope for the future of late-night television, emphasizing its continued importance and humor.
Colbert remarked, “If you can’t say something without risking imprisonment, that definitely breaches free speech.” He shared his admiration for fellow hosts, saying that working with such talents is a major highlight of the job.
White House spokesperson Davis Ingle reiterated to Fox News Digital that neither President Trump nor anyone in his administration played any part in the cancellation. He remarked on Colbert’s performance, suggesting that it contributed to the show’s demise and indicated it was time for CBS to move on.
During the Emmy event, when asked if he thought Trump’s actions affected his show’s future, Colbert sidestepped the question, instead making light-hearted remarks. Multiple attempts to redirect him back to the subject of Trump were met with similar deflections, leading to raised eyebrows about his reluctance to engage with the topic.
Media Research Center President David Bozell commented on Colbert’s reluctance to address Trump’s potential influence, suggesting that CBS made a financial decision based on declining viewership rather than any political pressure.
CBS announced in July 2025 that it would discontinue “The Late Show” after Colbert’s season, citing financial challenges in the late-night landscape. Interestingly, this announcement followed Colbert’s criticism of a financial settlement involving Paramount and Trump, which he framed as a bribe connected to the network’s acquisition negotiations.
Reports indicated that Colbert’s management had been informed weeks prior about the show’s cancellation, indicating that financial factors were more significant than newly emerging political dynamics. Trump’s critiques of Colbert continued after the show’s end, with the former president celebrating the end of Colbert’s late-night presence.
Fox News Digital attempted to get a statement from CBS-Paramount regarding the matter but did not hear back right away.
