CBS to End The Late Show with Stephen Colbert Amid Political Controversy
On July 17, 2025, CBS announced that The Late Show with Stephen Colbert, a staple of late-night television since 1993, will conclude in May 2026. The network stated that the decision was driven by financial considerations and not tied to the show’s performance or its host, Stephen Colbert, who has been at the helm since 2015. The announcement has sparked widespread reactions, with some speculating that political pressures may have influenced the move, particularly given recent events involving CBS’s parent company, Paramount, and President Donald Trump.
Public and Celebrity Reactions
The cancellation news prompted an outpouring of support for Colbert and the show’s team. Actor Ben Stiller took to X, stating, “Sorry to hear @CBS is canceling one of the best shows they have. Wishing all the people who work so hard on that show all the best.” Comedian Andy Richter praised Colbert on Bluesky, calling him a “deeply talented man” who deserves better. Actress Rachel Zegler commented on Instagram, “I am extremely sad. I adore you, Stephen.” Other celebrities, including Jon Batiste and Judd Apatow, expressed similar sentiments, highlighting the show’s significant cultural impact, as reported by The Hollywood Reporter.
Political Speculation Surrounding the Cancellation
The timing of the announcement—two weeks after a settlement between Paramount and President Trump over a 2024 CBS News 60 Minutes interview with Kamala Harris—has fueled speculation about political motivations. In a recent monologue, Colbert criticized the settlement, calling it a “big fat bribe” linked to Paramount’s efforts to secure federal approval for its merger with Skydance Media. Senator Elizabeth Warren tweeted, “America deserves to know if his show was canceled for political reasons.” Representative Adam Schiff echoed this sentiment, emphasizing the need for transparency. Actor John Cusack and sports writer Jemele Hill also suggested that Colbert’s vocal criticism of Trump may have played a role in the decision.
The settlement resolved a lawsuit filed by Trump, who claimed the Harris interview was edited to portray her favorably. While CBS initially dismissed the case as “without merit,” Paramount chair Shari Redstone reportedly pushed for the settlement to facilitate the merger, according to Forbes. CBS has not addressed the speculation about political influence, leaving the issue unresolved.
Trump’s Push to Reinstate “Redskins” Name
In a parallel controversy, President Trump has escalated his demand for the Washington Commanders to revert to their former name, “Redskins,” which was retired in 2020 after decades of criticism from Native American groups and others for being a racial slur. On July 20, 2025, Trump posted on Truth Social, threatening to block a deal for the team’s new stadium at the RFK Stadium site unless the name is changed back, stating, “The Team would be much more valuable, and the Deal would be more exciting for everyone.”
White House Press Secretary Karoline Leavitt confirmed Trump’s stance, saying, “Sports is one of the many passions of this president, and he wants to see the name of that team changed.” She emphasized Trump’s unconventional approach, noting that public sentiment, particularly among sports fans, may align with his position. However, Commanders owner Josh Harris has firmly rejected reverting to the old name, stating in April that the “Commanders” identity is embraced by the team and its culture.
The stadium deal, which involves a $3.7 billion investment to return the team to Washington, D.C., by 2030, was finalized earlier this year when Congress transferred control of the RFK Stadium land to the District. However, the D.C. Council must still approve the redevelopment plan, and Trump’s threats have raised concerns about potential federal interference, though his authority to intervene remains unclear.
Criticism of Trump’s Stance
ESPN’s Stephen A. Smith sharply criticized Trump’s push to reinstate the “Redskins” name, calling it “petty” and a distraction from other issues, including the Epstein files. Smith argued that the name change was necessary and accused Trump of catering to his political base. Native American activist Suzan Shown Harjo also opposed Trump’s stance, urging the Commanders to maintain their current name and praising their decision to move away from offensive imagery.
Legacy of The Late Show and Ongoing Debates
The Late Show has been a cultural touchstone for over three decades, known for its sharp political satire and engaging interviews. Its cancellation marks the end of an era, with fans and observers awaiting further clarity on the decision. Meanwhile, Trump’s involvement in the Commanders’ naming controversy has intensified debates about the intersection of politics, sports, and media. As both stories unfold, they highlight the complex dynamics between corporate decisions, public sentiment, and political influence in shaping cultural institutions.