FCC chairman blasts left-wing reactions to Colbert's cancellation

In July 2025, CBS announced the cancellation of Stephen Colbert's late-night show, 'The Late Show with Stephen Colbert,' which was set to air its final episode in May 2026. This cancellation came amid reports indicating ongoing financial struggles for the show, suggesting it was losing approximately $40 million annually despite leading its time slot. Colbert had previously criticized CBS for a $16 million settlement with Donald Trump over a lawsuit related to a '60 Minutes' interview, raising suspicions about the timing of the show's cancellation and potential political motivations behind it. Many in the entertainment industry and political sphere reacted strongly, perceiving the cancellation as politically motivated, especially given the network's recent dealings with the Trump administration. Brendan Carr, the Trump-appointed FCC chairman, took to social media to mock critics of the cancellation, describing their outrage as characteristic of 'the partisan left' and implying they were overly attached to Colbert's role as a media spokesperson for the Democratic National Committee. Colbert himself responded to Trump's remarks regarding his firing, asserting that he would not back down over his remaining months on air, intensifying his commitment to his comedic voice. Several Democratic senators also expressed concerns that the cancellation may represent a broader trend of media companies appeasing the Trump administration, reflecting fears of diminished free speech amid corporate mergers and settlements.