A Bold Critique from a Former President
In a surprising move, former U.S. President Donald Trump took to social media just hours after the final episode of The Late Show concluded. The post, made on his Truth Social platform at 1:52 a.m. EST on May 22, was a sharp and personal attack on comedian Stephen Colbert. Trump described Colbert as a “total jerk” with “no talent, no ratings, no life.” He went on to express relief that Colbert was finally leaving CBS, calling the situation “amazing” given how long he had remained in the role.
Trump’s comments were not only harsh but also seemed to reflect a personal grudge. He claimed that anyone off the street would be better than Colbert, adding that the comedian was “like a dead person.” This outburst highlights the ongoing tension between Trump and figures in the entertainment industry who have criticized him or his policies.
A Warning for Other Late-Night Hosts
Following his initial rant, Trump took to social media again, this time declaring Colbert’s exit as the “Beginning of the End” for late-night television hosts. He suggested that other popular hosts, such as Jimmy Kimmel and Jimmy Fallon, might soon face similar fates. This statement raises questions about the future of late-night programming and whether political influences could impact its direction.
Colbert’s final show was a memorable event, featuring a star-studded lineup that included performances by Sir Paul McCartney alongside Jon Batiste and Elvis Costello. The episode also featured cameos from notable figures such as Ryan Reynolds, Bryan Cranston, Paul Rudd, Tig Notaro, Tim Meadows, Jon Stewart, and Kimmel himself. Despite the high-profile guests, Colbert did not directly mention Trump during the finale, instead focusing on expressing gratitude and joy to his audience.
Ratings and Realities
Despite Trump’s claims that Colbert suffered from “nonexistent ratings,” The Late Show actually led the late-night ratings charts for nearly a decade during Colbert’s 11-year tenure. The show was a staple of late-night television, consistently drawing large audiences and maintaining a strong presence in the competitive landscape.
CBS originally announced the cancellation of The Late Show in July 2025, citing the challenging financial climate of late-night television. However, the cancellation occurred just days after Colbert publicly criticized a $16 million settlement between CBS’s parent company, Paramount, and Trump. This timing has led to speculation about the real reasons behind the decision.
Speculation and Corporate Moves
Critics and fans have heavily speculated that political pressure and Paramount’s pending corporate merger played a significant role in ending the show. These factors may have influenced the network’s decision to cancel The Late Show, although no official explanation has been provided.
Following the end of his show, Colbert is co-writing a movie tentatively subtitled The Lord of the Rings: Shadow of the Past. The story will focus on six chapters early in The Fellowship of the Ring that director Peter Jackson left out of his original movie trilogy. This project marks a new chapter in Colbert’s career, showcasing his versatility beyond comedy.
New Ventures and Digital Presence
Colbert is co-writing the script with his son, Peter McGee, and Oscar-winning Tolkien screenwriter Philippa Boyens. The idea for the film was first approached by Colbert two years ago, but he is now using his post-late-night free time to dive fully into the work.
In addition to his film project, the host has also launched a new personal TikTok account to stay engaged with fans online. This move reflects his adaptability and willingness to explore new platforms for content creation.
This transition marks an exciting new phase for Colbert, as he continues to evolve both personally and professionally.
