Former President Donald Trump took to Truth Social on Tuesday to respond to the growing controversy surrounding the firing of Stephen Colbert from The Late Show on CBS. The late-night shake-up sparked heated debates across social media, with many accusing Trump of influencing the decision through a pending Skydance–Paramount merger.
But Trump? He’s washing his hands of it.
“The reason he was fired was a pure lack of TALENT,” Trump wrote. “And the fact that this deficiency was costing CBS $50 Million Dollars a year in losses — and it was only going to get WORSE!”
That jaw-dropping number? Yep, Trump claims Colbert’s show was draining the network to the tune of $50 million annually, a figure critics have questioned but supporters say may not be far off, considering dipping late-night ratings.
Trump Tees Off On Other Late-Night Hosts
The former commander-in-chief didn’t stop at Colbert. He took a full swing at other popular late-night faces — calling out both Jimmy Kimmel and Jimmy Fallon.
“Next up will be an even less talented Jimmy Kimmel, and then, a weak and very insecure Jimmy Fallon,” Trump wrote. “The only real question is, who will go first?”
It’s no secret that these three hosts — Colbert, Kimmel, and Fallon — have frequently roasted Trump on their shows, often making him a staple of their monologues. But according to Trump, the real issue isn’t political comedy — it’s ratings.
“Showbiz and television is a very simple business,” he concluded. “If you get ratings, you can say or do anything. If you don’t, you always become a victim. Colbert became a victim to himself. The other two will follow.”
Was Colbert’s Exit Politically Motivated?
The timing of Colbert’s firing has raised eyebrows. Critics and media analysts have speculated that the Skydance–Paramount merger — which required FCC approval — gave Trump a backstage pass to influence decisions within CBS, especially since he was allegedly vocal behind the scenes.
Here’s what unfolded:
- Colbert was let go unexpectedly amid reports of budget cuts and restructuring.
- Shortly after, the FCC signed off on the merger between Paramount Global and Skydance Media.
- That’s when the rumors began: Was Colbert’s firing a political sacrifice to push the merger through?
So far, CBS has remained tight-lipped on the exact reasons for Colbert’s departure, but insiders claim it was part of a wider corporate shakeup to curb financial losses across the board.
Colbert’s Silence — For Now
Stephen Colbert has not yet made a public statement about Trump’s remarks or the circumstances surrounding his firing. The longtime host, who helmed The Late Show since 2015, built a loyal audience with his sharp wit and unapologetic political satire — often aimed at Trump himself.
While some fans hope he’ll return via a new media platform or streaming service, others are still trying to process his unexpected exit from late-night.
What This Means for Late-Night TV
Colbert’s departure marks a major shift in the late-night landscape, especially as network executives scramble to adapt to changing viewer habits, budget constraints, and digital competition.
Many industry insiders believe we could be witnessing the slow death of traditional late-night TV, with shows like The Tonight Show and Jimmy Kimmel Live! potentially facing similar scrutiny.
Trump’s take? Late-night TV is becoming a victim of its own “irrelevance.”
“You can say or do anything,” he repeated, “but if you lose the ratings battle, you’re toast.”
What do YOU think?
Did Colbert get pushed out for politics, or were ratings really that bad? Drop your thoughts in the comments — and tell us who should replace him!
