A Christmas Eve rant from President Trump calls for Stephen Colbert to be “put to sleep,” escalating tensions with late-night TV.
Story Highlights
- President Trump criticizes Stephen Colbert, labeling him a “pathetic trainwreck.”
- CBS announced the cancellation of Colbert’s show due to declining ratings.
- The feud highlights ongoing media bias concerns among conservatives.
Trump’s Critique of Late-Night Television
On December 24, 2025, President Donald Trump took to Truth Social to express his dissatisfaction with Stephen Colbert, branding him a “dead man walking” and urging CBS to “put him to sleep.” This outburst follows CBS’s decision to cancel Colbert’s late-night show, which is scheduled to end in May 2026 due to low ratings. Trump’s remarks were timed with a CBS rerun of Colbert’s December 8 episode that had mocked Trump’s comments at the Kennedy Center Honors.
The cancellation of Colbert’s show is a reflection of the broader struggles facing late-night television. Ratings have been in decline, exacerbated by the pandemic and the rise of streaming services. Colbert’s transition to sharp political satire post-2016 had made him a frequent target of Trump’s criticisms, and the President has repeatedly accused late-night hosts of harboring an anti-Trump bias.
Trump calls Stephen Colbert ‘dead man walking’ while urging CBS to put late-night host ‘to sleep’ https://t.co/zpXUN5lWvp pic.twitter.com/1kFQusSJdW
— New York Post (@nypost) December 24, 2025
Implications for Media and Politics
Trump’s attack on Colbert is not an isolated event. The president has a long history of clashing with late-night comedians, dating back to his first term. His recent posts not only called out Colbert but also criticized other hosts like Jimmy Kimmel and Seth Meyers. Trump’s comments feed into the narrative of media bias that resonates with his conservative base, who often feel marginalized by mainstream media.
For CBS, the decision to cancel Colbert’s show was a business move in response to declining viewership. However, it also represents a significant moment in the cultural and political landscape, as late-night TV has traditionally been a platform for political commentary. The ongoing feud between Trump and late-night hosts underscores the polarized nature of American media today.
Future of Late-Night Television
The long-term implications of this conflict could accelerate the decline of the traditional late-night format. As audience preferences shift and the demand for streaming content grows, networks may need to rethink their strategies to remain relevant. Trump’s criticism highlights the challenges faced by TV networks in navigating political pressures while maintaining entertainment value.
While CBS has not publicly responded to Trump’s statements, the lack of an immediate reaction suggests that the network is focusing on strategic decisions rather than engaging in public spats. For now, Colbert’s show will continue to air reruns until its scheduled end in 2026, leaving the future of late-night television uncertain amid these tensions.
Sources:
AOL Article: “Trump Gives Stephen Colbert A Lump Of Coal On Christmas Eve”
AOL Article: “Trump Tears Into ‘Pathetic Trainwreck’ Colbert”
AOL Article: “Donald Trump Rants About Stephen Colbert”
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