CBS Ends Colbert's Late Show Amid Trump Lawsuit Settlement Dispute

Stephen Colbert responded vehemently to President Donald Trump's praise of CBS's decision to cancel "The Late Show" in May 2026, delivering an expletive-laden rebuttal during his first monologue after the cancellation announcement. The move came shortly after Paramount, CBS's parent company, settled a $16 million defamation lawsuit with Trump, a deal Colbert condemned as a "big fat bribe," prompting speculation that political considerations influenced the show's cancellation despite Paramount's claims it was a financial decision. Trump celebrated Colbert's firing on social media, disparaging his talent and ratings, to which Colbert retorted by calling himself a "martyr" and dismissing rumors about other late-night hosts like Jimmy Kimmel being next. The decision sparked backlash from politicians and supporters who suspect it was an attempt to appease Trump ahead of a significant Paramount takeover requiring FCC approval under Trump's control. Colbert's biting response and the surrounding controversy highlight ongoing tensions between Trump, the media, and corporate interests, with observers warning about the implications for press freedom and political influence over entertainment.