Stephen Colbert delivered a fiery response Monday night after President Donald Trump celebrated the comedian’s upcoming departure from CBS’s The Late Show, declaring himself a “martyr” and warning that the “gloves are off” for his remaining months on air.
The 61-year-old host opened his show to a standing ovation from the New York City audience, sarcastically announcing that “cancel culture has gone too far” before revealing his newfound freedom to speak without restraint.
CBS announced last week that Colbert’s decade-long tenure as host of the network’s late-night flagship program will conclude in May 2026.
Network insiders indicate the top-rated show faced cancellation due to financial losses ranging from $40 million to $100 million annually.
Trump posted his reaction on Truth Social Friday, stating he “absolutely love[s] that Colbert got fired” and claiming the host’s “talent was even less than his ratings.”
Colbert addressed Trump’s comments directly during Monday’s broadcast, turning to what he called an “Eloquence Cam” to deliver his response.
“How dare you, sir? Would an untalented man be able to compose the following satirical witticism? Go f*** yourself,” the host declared.
The comedian also responded to Trump’s suggestion that Jimmy Kimmel might face similar consequences.
“Nope, no, no. Absolutely not. Kimmel, I am the martyr. There’s only room for one on this cross. And the view is fantastic from up here. I can see your house!” Colbert said.
Despite his often intense anti-Trump monologues throughout his career, Colbert offered a notably restrained assessment of the president.
“I don’t care for him. Doesn’t seem to have the skill set to be president. Just not a good fit, that’s all,” he said quietly.
The cancellation announcement came just days after Colbert criticized CBS parent company Paramount’s $16 million settlement with Trump over alleged deceptive editing in a 60 Minutes interview with Kamala Harris, which he branded a “big fat bribe.”
Colbert acknowledged the financial realities facing his program, referencing reports from The New York Post about the show’s substantial losses.
“I could see us losing $24 million but where would Paramount have possibly spent the other $16 million, oh…” he quipped, alluding to the Trump settlement amount.
Industry journalist Matthew Belloni revealed that The Late Show costs approximately $100 million annually to produce, with Colbert earning between $15 million and $20 million per year as host.
Despite leading in ratings against ABC’s Jimmy Kimmel and NBC’s Jimmy Fallon, the show’s profitability remained elusive.
The late-night television format has experienced declining advertiser revenue in recent years as audiences increasingly turn to streaming services and mobile content consumption.
This shift has made it challenging for traditional network programs to maintain profitability.
WATCH:
Reports indicate Colbert first learned of his show’s potential cancellation around July 4th, according to Daily Mail reporting.
Paramount Co-CEO George Cheeks made the final decision before taking vacation, allowing CBS executives time to develop their strategy.
Colbert received official confirmation of the cancellation on Thursday and moved quickly to inform his staff before news leaked to the media.
Sources described the host as “not angry, actually” about the decision, maintaining a “matter-of-fact” demeanor with his team.
Monday’s show featured support from numerous entertainment figures, including Lin-Manuel Miranda, “Weird Al” Yankovic, Adam Sandler, Anderson Cooper, Jimmy Fallon, Seth Meyers, John Oliver and Jon Stewart.
The guests participated in various segments designed to show solidarity with the departing host.
The post Self-Proclaimed ‘Martyr’ Colbert Declares ‘Gloves Are Off’ After Trump Celebrates Late Show Cancellation: ‘There’s Only Room for One on This Cross.’ appeared first on Resist the Mainstream.
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Author: Jordyn M.
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