A bitter feud has reignited between Donald Trump and Stephen Colbert, escalating with a demand for the late-night host’s immediate removal from television. Trump unleashed a scathing attack, labeling Colbert a “pathetic trainwreck” and questioning his continued relevance even as his show nears its planned conclusion.
The outburst follows CBS’s announcement that *The Late Show with Stephen Colbert* will conclude in May 2026, bringing an end to a 32-year run that included David Letterman at the helm. Trump initially celebrated the cancellation, and now appears determined to deliver a final, forceful rebuke.
Trump didn’t stop at personal insults, claiming Colbert operates on “hatred and fumes” and is a “dead man walking.” He went further, suggesting CBS has a “humanitarian” obligation to end the show immediately. The intensity of the language reveals a deep-seated animosity.
The former President broadened his attack to encompass all late-night talk show hosts, criticizing their salaries, talent, and dwindling viewership. He reiterated a previous threat to revoke broadcast licenses from networks that consistently present negative coverage of himself, the MAGA movement, and the Republican Party.
This latest volley comes on the heels of the Kennedy Center Honors ceremony, which aired on CBS. Trump now chairs the Kennedy Center’s board, a position he reportedly wants to rebrand with his own name – a move that Colbert sharply mocked in a recent monologue.
Colbert’s satire focused on the perceived conflict between Trump’s presidential duties and his involvement with the arts institution, imagining a scenario where urgent national security matters are sidelined for theater rehearsals. He even jokingly dared CBS to fire him for his criticism.
Trump’s initial reaction to the show’s cancellation in July was equally dismissive, stating he “absolutely love[d] that Colbert got fired” and dismissing any notion of talent. He simultaneously targeted Jimmy Kimmel, whose show briefly paused following controversial comments.
The conflict extends beyond mere ratings or political disagreement. Trump’s continued attacks demonstrate a clear sensitivity to satire and a desire to control the narrative surrounding his public image, even after leaving office. The feud underscores the increasingly polarized landscape of American media and political discourse.
Just recently, Channel 4 announced Kimmel would deliver their annual alternative Christmas message, a decision that further fueled Trump’s ire. The ongoing battle highlights a pattern of Trump aggressively responding to any perceived slight from entertainers and media personalities.
