Stephen Colbert had a fiery comeback for former President Donald Trump, just days after the announcement that The Late Show will be canceled in May 2026. Back on air for the first time since the news broke, Colbert didn’t waste time addressing Trump’s comments made on Truth Social.
In a post dated July 18, Trump gloated about the show’s cancellation, writing, “I absolutely love that Colbert got fired. His talent was even less than his ratings.” Naturally, Colbert wasn’t about to let that slide.
“Stephen Colbert responds to Trump’s jab at The Late Show” in the only way he knows best—biting humor wrapped in sharp satire. “How dare you, sir? Would an untalented man be able to compose the following satirical witticism? Go (expletive) yourself,” Colbert said during his July 21 monologue. The bold message was delivered via the show’s “eloquence cam,” dramatically zoomed in on his face, emphasizing every word.
As the audience chanted his name, Colbert silenced them with a wave, ready to tackle the next line in Trump’s post: “I hear Jimmy Kimmel is next.”
With deadpan delivery, Colbert replied, “Nope, absolutely not, Kimmel. I am the martyr. There’s only room for one on this cross, and I’ve gotta tell you, the view is fantastic from up here. I can see your house!”
Trump didn’t stop at Colbert or Kimmel. He also took aim at Jimmy Fallon and praised Fox News’ Greg Gutfeld, writing, “Greg Gutfeld is better than all of them combined, including the Moron on NBC who ruined the once great Tonight Show.”
Colbert’s response highlighted not only his trademark humor but also his willingness to stand firm in the face of political backlash. The monologue felt like a farewell roast—sharp, unapologetic, and personal.
Earlier this month, Colbert had broken the news of the show’s cancellation to fans, stating, “It’s not just the end of our show; it’s the end of The Late Show on CBS.” He clarified that he wasn’t being replaced, adding, “This is all just going away.”
Paramount Global, the network’s parent company, echoed that sentiment. In a public statement, executives said, “We consider Stephen Colbert irreplaceable and will retire The Late Show franchise at that time.” The company cited financial difficulties as the primary reason behind the cancellation, emphasizing that it was “not related in any way to the show’s performance, content, or other matters happening at Paramount.”
That statement came shortly after Colbert criticized Paramount for settling Trump’s defamation lawsuit. The network agreed to make a $16 million donation to Trump’s planned presidential library, a move Colbert called “a big fat bribe” intended to curry favor with his administration and secure Federal Communications Commission approval for an $8.4 billion merger with Skydance Media.
With The Late Show now set to end, Colbert’s parting shots at both Trump and the network underscore his legacy—unfiltered, politically sharp, and always quick with a punchline.
Whether you loved or loathed him, there’s no denying that Stephen Colbert responds to Trump’s jab at The Late Show with the kind of fire and finesse that made him one of late night’s most fearless voices.
