Trump Cheers Network’s Decision to Cancel Long-Running Late-Night Show
President Trump expressed satisfaction Friday after a major broadcast network announced it would end its long-running late-night program hosted by a well-known comedian.
Posting on Truth Social, the president wrote, “I absolutely love that Colbert got fired. His talent was even less than his ratings.”
He didn’t stop there—Trump also took aim at other late-night personalities, calling out ABC’s Jimmy Kimmel and NBC’s Jimmy Fallon, while praising Fox News host Greg Gutfeld. “I hear Jimmy Kimmel is next. Has even less talent than Colbert!” Trump said. “Greg Gutfeld is better than all of them combined, including the Moron on NBC who ruined the once great Tonight Show.”
The timing of the cancellation has sparked discussion, as it came just days after the host openly criticized his network’s parent company for settling a legal dispute involving Trump. In a recent episode, the host joked about the $16 million payout made by the company, referencing a previous election interview controversy.
Despite its popularity—averaging nearly 2.5 million nightly viewers this quarter—the network said its decision to end the show was not based on ratings or content. In a statement, the company described the move as “purely financial,” citing broader budget concerns and denying any political motivation.
“This decision was not related to the show’s performance, content, or any other external matters,” the statement read. “We continue to admire the talent and work of Colbert and his team. This was a difficult decision.”
Meanwhile, Gutfeld’s earlier-airing talk show has been a ratings leader, averaging around 3.3 million viewers in the same timeframe—more than any of the major late-night programs.
The former host, known for his frequent criticism of Trump and frequent appearances by Democratic lawmakers, acknowledged the cancellation on Thursday’s episode. “It’s not just the end of our show—it’s the end of The Late Showon this network,” he said. “I’m not being replaced. It’s all just going away.”
Several lawmakers who had been regular guests on the show reacted swiftly to the news. Some raised concerns over the possibility of political interference.
“America deserves to know if his show was canceled for political reasons,” one senator posted on social media. Another lawmaker echoed that concern, writing, “If this was a political decision, the public deserves transparency—and better.”
Speculation around the cancellation has intensified due to ongoing merger negotiations involving the network’s parent company and recent regulatory decisions overseen by the current administration.
As the entertainment landscape continues to shift, the end of one of the most-watched late-night programs marks a notable moment—not just in television, but in the increasingly intertwined worlds of media and politics.
