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President Donald Trump on Tuesday denied claims that he played any part in the CBS decision to end Stephen Colbert’s run as host of “The Late Show,” arguing instead that the late-night comedian’s departure was the result of poor ratings and financial losses.
Trump addressed the speculation in a post on his Truth Social platform, responding to reports and political commentary suggesting Colbert’s exit was politically motivated.
“Everybody is saying that I was solely responsible for the firing of Stephen Colbert from CBS, Late Night. That is not true!” Trump wrote. “The reason he was fired was a pure lack of TALENT, and the fact that this deficiency was costing CBS $50 Million Dollars a year in losses — And it was only going to get WORSE!”
Colbert, whose contract with CBS is set to end in May 2026, has been a frequent critic of Trump. His departure comes among many changes, including a merger involving CBS’ parent company, Paramount Global, and recent legal tensions between Trump and the network.
Trump cited financial figures suggesting Colbert’s program generated roughly $60 million in advertising revenue but operated at a $100 million annual cost. The president said that the discrepancy led to the decision to part ways.
Trump also predicted that other late-night hosts would soon face similar fates.
“Next up will be an even less talented Jimmy Kimmel, and then, a weak, and very insecure, Jimmy Fallon,” he wrote. “The only real question is, who will go first? Show Biz and Television is a very simple business. 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.”
His remarks come as speculation swirls around the future of late-night television, which has faced declining viewership across networks. Industry observers have also pointed to the impact of streaming, changing viewer habits, and shifting ad revenues.
On the Senate floor Tuesday, Sen. Cory Booker, D-N.J., suggested Colbert’s departure might be tied to the comedian’s frequent criticism of Trump, though the host is expected to remain on the air until his contract expires next spring.