President Donald Trump took a victory lap early Friday morning after Stephen Colbert hosted his final episode of The Late Show on CBS, marking the end of an 11-year run that frequently targeted the president with sharp political satire.
In a post on his Truth Social platform, Trump wrote: “Colbert is finally finished at CBS. Amazing that he lasted so long! No talent, no ratings, no life. He was like a dead person. You could take any person off of the street and they would be better than this total jerk. Thank goodness he’s finally gone!”
The president’s remarks came hours after Colbert signed off for the last time, avoiding direct attacks on Trump in his final monologue but offering thanks to his staff and family. The show ended with a sing-along of The Beatles’ “Hello, Goodbye” alongside Paul McCartney.
Paramount, the media conglomerate now controlled by Trump allies Larry and David Ellison, canceled The Late Show last year, citing financial pressures in the late-night television market. The company insisted the decision was unrelated to the show’s content or performance. Trump had previously cheered the cancellation, writing on Truth Social: “I absolutely love that Colbert got fired.”
Critics have questioned the timing, noting that the Trump administration oversaw the merger between Paramount and Skydance last year, and that CBS agreed to a $16 million settlement with the president over a 60 Minutes episode featuring former Vice President Kamala Harris. Some see the cancellation as part of a broader pattern of political pressure on media companies.
The late-night landscape has shifted dramatically under Trump, who has repeatedly called for the firing of comedians like Colbert and Jimmy Kimmel for their criticism. His latest broadside fits a pattern of attacking media figures he views as adversaries.
Colbert took over The Late Show in September 2015, succeeding David Letterman. His tenure was marked by a sharp turn toward political commentary during the Trump era, earning both high ratings and fierce backlash from conservatives.
In his final broadcast, Colbert reflected on the show’s legacy: “We were lucky enough to be here for the last 11 years. You can’t take this for granted.” The episode featured cameos from Bryan Cranston, Paul Rudd, Ryan Reynolds, and Tig Notaro. Paul McCartney appeared as the final guest, and Colbert joined him on stage with his family and crew to sing the Beatles classic.
Trump’s celebration of Colbert’s exit comes as the president faces his own political headwinds. His approval ratings have slipped, and internal GOP tensions are rising over immigration policy and spending priorities.
For now, Trump is savoring the departure of a longtime critic. Whether the end of Colbert’s show signals a broader realignment in late-night television—or merely a financial recalibration—remains to be seen.
