President Donald Trump took to social media to celebrate the conclusion of "The Late Show with Stephen Colbert," launching a scathing attack on the host. Trump labeled Colbert a "total jerk" with "no talent, no ratings, no life," and compared him to a "dead person." The president expressed relief that Colbert was "finally gone," echoing criticisms he made last July when CBS first announced the show's cancellation.
Financial Decision Behind Cancellation
CBS clarified that the decision to end "The Late Show" after 11 seasons was "purely financial," unrelated to its performance or content. The network cited the challenging late-night television landscape as a factor. Stephen Colbert had previously mocked a $16 million settlement between Paramount Global, CBS's parent company, and Trump regarding edits to a "60 Minutes" interview, humorously calling it a "big fat bribe."
Final Episode Features Surprise Guests
The final episode of "The Late Show" featured a surprise appearance by music legend Sir Paul McCartney, who performed "Hello, Goodbye." Other celebrity guests included Bryan Cranston, Paul Rudd, and fellow late-night hosts. Colbert delivered an emotional monologue reflecting on his 33-year run, thanking viewers and staff.
Trump's post reignited tensions between the two figures, with Colbert having been a frequent critic of the former president throughout his tenure. The cancellation marks the end of an era for late-night television, as Colbert's show was a staple for political satire and commentary.
