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Trump vs. Colbert: An Attack on Late Night Satire!
US President Trump sharply criticizes Stephen Colbert and calls for the cancellation of "The Late Show" because of his satirical attacks.
Trump vs. Colbert: An Attack on Late Night Satire!
US President Donald Trump made a clear statement expressing his displeasure with talk show host Stephen Colbert. Through his online service Truth Social, Trump sharply attacked the host of CBS' "The Late Show" and called for the show to be "put down." Trump called Colbert a "pathetic disaster" and claimed his ratings have plummeted since he announced the show's cancellation, which is set to take place in May 2026. CBS had already announced the cancellation in July 2025 after reaching an agreement in a legal dispute with Trump for a payment of 16 million dollars. CBS said the decision to cancel was “purely financial.” vienna.at reports that CBS is owned by Paramount Skydance, headed by David Ellison, a Trump ally.
In his remarks, Trump not only addressed Colbert personally, but also took the opportunity to criticize other late-night hosts. The president described his colleagues like Jimmy Kimmel and Seth Meyers as “pathetic trainwrecks” with poor ratings. Trump suggested that CBS cancel the show immediately instead of waiting until May. The phrase “put him to sleep” also caused a stir because, depending on the interpretation, it can have different meanings that could even imply euthanasia. The fact that Trump denounced all the major networks and questioned their financial backing shows his constant need to exert influence over the media landscape deadline.com.
A broader context
Trump's responses to expressions of opinion and political satire are drawing increasing attention. Criticism of him and his administration by various media outlets, including Colbert, is perceived as a threat to his public perception. CBS may also have interpreted the decision to cancel "The Late Show" as some kind of response to Colbert's harsh comments about the $16 million settlement between Paramount Global and Trump cbc.ca.
Numerous experts warn that Trump's attempts to silence politicians and television producers may be ineffective. Satire has proven over the years to be a powerful means of expressing opinions and public debate. The freedom of satirical art is also protected by various organizations that emphasize the importance of political satire for democratic society. Will Creeley of the Foundation for Individual Rights and Expression has made clear that mocking leaders is essential to freedom of expression. Despite the rising tensions, the value of satirical content remains undisputed and continues to be seen as an important part of the political dialogue in the United States.