Donald Trump says he was not the reason Stephen Colbert got fired, but he warns that more late-night talk show hosts could be next. In a recent social media post, former President Donald Trump made it clear that he was not the only cause of Stephen Colbert’s late-night talk show being canceled, denying claims that he alone was behind the decision.
Trump said on Truth Social, “The reason he was fired was a pure lack of TALENT, and the fact that this deficiency was costing CBS $50 Million Dollars a year in losses — And it was only going to get WORSE!” which isn’t backed by any credible sources. Colbert has been an outspoken opponent of Trump, and some believe his removal could have been meant to make it easier for big business deals like this one to go through, since they often need government approval.
What’s strange is that Trump went on to name others, as if giving a list of who he wants gone next. He said, “Next up will be an even less talented Jimmy Kimmel, and then, a weak, and very insecure, Jimmy Fallon. The only real question is, who will go first?”
Trump has a list of names he wants gone
Trump went on to explain his view of the entertainment industry, especially TV, by saying it all comes down to one simple rule: ratings determine how long a show lasts and how much freedom the host has. He argued that those with high ratings can say or do whatever they want, while those who don’t attract enough viewers will inevitably fail.
Trump is bragging then backtracking about being blamed for Colbert’s firing, calling him untalented and threatening Jimmy Kimmel and Jimmy Fallon next.
— The Vivlia (@TVivlia) July 29, 2025
You know who wasn’t on late night making jokes? Epstein. You know who was at his parties? now release the Epstein files. pic.twitter.com/EWjfEqgEue
In Trump’s view, Colbert was just the first to fall because of his own flaws. However, it is more than clear that late-night talk shows are not as popular as they used to be. While they are braver than others, streaming has taken a lot away from regular television. Besides, Colbert was a really good warning shot to others.
It is hard to believe this was just based on ratings, thanks to the deals that CBS needed. The FCC’s decision to approve the big merger right after Colbert’s show was canceled has only made people more suspicious about whether political reasons are affecting TV programming choices. While CBS and Paramount are adamant that it had nothing to do with comments Colbert made about the deals, it is hard to believe.
