Stephen Colbert Responds Explicitly After 'Late Show' Cancellation Amid Trump Criticism

Stephen Colbert has responded fiercely to the cancellation of his long-running Late Show, which CBS and Paramount cited as a financial decision after reportedly losing over $40 million annually. The show will end after the 2025-2026 season, but Colbert declared that "the gloves are off" and used his final months on air to openly criticize President Donald Trump, who celebrated the cancellation on his social media platform, Truth Social. Trump disparaged Colbert's talent and ratings, also taking shots at Jimmy Kimmel and Jimmy Fallon, while praising Fox News host Greg Gutfeld. Colbert fired back with a sharp retort, telling Trump, "Go f*** yourself," and mocking Trump's public celebration. The host also addressed Paramount's controversial payment to Trump, which he called a "big fat bribe," and used his platform to highlight Trump's ties to Jeff Epstein. Colbert's final episodes will feature appearances from other late-night hosts such as Jimmy Fallon, Seth Meyers, John Oliver, and Jon Stewart, underscoring the solidarity among comedians in the face of the show's end.