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To the editor:
“The Late Show with Stephen Colbert” is scheduled to end in May 2026, supposedly because of the high cost of the show. But if Colbert keeps up his brilliant and funny attacks on Donald Trump, I don’t think Colbert and “The Late Show” will be around for even one month. When Trump cheered the departure of “The Late Show,” Colbert looked right into the camera and told Trump, “F—k you!"
Colbert mocked CBS for paying Trump’s “extortion” of CBS, which is owned by Paramount Global, for alleged deceptive editing of a Kamala Harris interview, and suddenly Colbert and “The Late Show” will be cancelled. The cause and effect seem to be obvious.
Will Trump and CBS allow Colbert to mock our malignant liar of a president from now until May, 2026? Doubtful! Paramount will probably show Colbert the door very quickly unless they (surprisingly) decide to stand up to Trump.
Michael J. Gorman
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fcannisi
Mr. Gorman, the real extortion Trump used was holding out approval of the $8.4 billion merger between Paramount and Skydance if CBS/Paramount didn't play ball - plus Colbert, a $16 million "donation" to the Trump library (an oxymoron considering Trump doesn't even read), a more conservative slant on news and who knows what else.
America has become a banana republic under Trump as he strongarms universities, international trade partners, law firms, media outlets, public education, the court system, federal workers ... into submission by using the power of the Whitehouse.
Tuesday, July 29, 2025 Report this
Valete
Stephen Colbert finally revealed his “insipid wit,” and the result was a crass remark.
During a tense monologue on July 14, Colbert labeled CBS-Paramount’s recent $16 million settlement with Donald Trump as a “big, fat bribe.” This moment marked a shift from his usual satura “poetic medley” to a confrontation.
Within three days, while the network sought regulatory approvals, The Late Show was axed. CBS cited financial headwinds and $40 million annual losses, but many suspected politics played a role.
The following day, Donald Trump expressed his delight in Colbert’s firing, stating: “Colbert’s talent was even inferior to his ratings."
Colbert promptly responded on-air with four words: “Go f— yourself,” directly addressing Trump’s delighted reaction.
In the subsequent nights, Colbert declared, “The gloves are off.” He then proceeded to deliver unapologetic, unfiltered, and utterly debasing commentary....
Thursday, July 31, 2025 Report this
fcannisi
While I never watch late night TV because I'm an early riser, I will assume that Quad Zero's account of the exchanges between Trump and Colbert are accurate.
In other words, Colbert decided to act EXACTLY the way Trump does when challenged; respond with vulgarity.
I would think that MAGA folks like Quad Zero find Colbert's actions admirable.
BTW, I wouldn't call the $16 million settlement a "big, fat bribe". Mr. Gorman had it right in his letter, it was an extortion payoff (no quotation marks required).
Friday, August 1, 2025 Report this