Stephen Colbert tells Trump to go f*** yourself after show cancellation

In the United States, Stephen Colbert faced the cancellation of his late-night talk show, "The Late Show," which has been attributed by CBS executives to financial challenges in the late-night television landscape. Announced on July 17, 2025, CBS stated that the show would come to an end in May 2026, indicating it was not a reflection of the program's content or viewership performance, despite Colbert's popularity and strong ratings. However, many fans and commentators perceive the abrupt cancellation as a politically motivated action influenced by President Donald Trump's recent legal victory against Paramount, the network's parent company, involving a $16 million settlement over a previously aired interview with then-Vice President Kamala Harris. During his first full broadcast after the announcement, Colbert expressed his frustrations and openly criticized Trump for celebrating the cancellation, citing a post on Truth Social where Trump claimed he enjoyed the news of Colbert's firing and described him as lacking talent. Colbert responded with pointed vulgarity, stating, "Go f*** yourself," which resonated with a supportive audience, indicating his willingness to speak bluntly in the wake of his show’s impending end. Colbert's remarks sparked wider discussion within the late-night community, with fellow hosts showing solidarity. Comedians like John Stewart took to their platforms to express concerns about the political implications behind CBS's decision to cancel Colbert's show, arguing that it represented a capitulation to political pressure rather than a purely financial decision. As Colbert's final season approaches, he has vowed to use his platform to speak freely about his views, particularly on Trump, signaling a period of heightened candidness. The announcement of the cancellation has provoked a backlash among the public, with significant attention from fans, fellow comedians, and political figures alike. Some suggest that the decision to retire "The Late Show" is emblematic of larger pressures facing comedic expression in today's political climate, where creators may risk retribution for their positions. As the show nears its final months, all eyes will be on Colbert's forthcoming segments and whether they will stir any further controversy or dissent.