Jeff Daniels Criticizes Trump and GOP Leadership, Reflects on Political Climate Amid The Late Show Cancellation
On July 21, 2025, actor, playwright, and musician Jeff Daniels appeared on MSNBC anchor Nicolle Wallace’s podcast, The Best People, where he delivered pointed criticism of the Republican Party’s current leadership and reflected on the broader political landscape in the United States. His remarks come at a time of heightened political discourse, coinciding with CBS’s announcement that The Late Show with Stephen Colbert will end in May 2026, a decision some speculate may be tied to political pressures involving President Donald Trump.
Jeff Daniels’ Critique of the GOP and Trump
During the podcast, Daniels described the Republican Party’s current state as a “collapse,” lamenting the loss of values like decency, civility, and respect for the rule of law. Without initially naming Trump, he criticized the normalization of verbal abuse and bullying in public discourse, contrasting it with the conservative principles of former President Ronald Reagan. “We’ve normalized bullying, much as the woke generation tried to change that… It’s back. And along, out the window goes character, integrity,” Daniels stated.
Daniels indirectly referred to Trump as “everything that’s wrong, with not just America, but with being a human being.” He expressed disappointment in the electorate, arguing that Americans should choose “the best of us, not the worst of us” for leadership. He also praised Vice President Kamala Harris, suggesting she could have been a transformative president if elected in 2024, potentially building a “team of rivals” cabinet, including figures like Republican Representative Liz Cheney as Secretary of State. “I think she would’ve been a good choice — I don’t care what they say,” Daniels said, envisioning a diverse America rooted in equality and respect.
Daniels also criticized Trump’s economic policies, particularly his tariffs, warning they could raise costs for consumers. He posed a rhetorical question: “The grocery bill is what? One hundred and eighty bucks more? Who do I blame for that?” He argued that voters would hold Trump accountable for rising prices, dismissing the president’s promises as those of a “snake oil salesman.” Daniels also called out GOP leaders like Senator Mitch McConnell for enabling Trump’s rise.
This is not Daniels’ first critique of Trump. In 2020, he released a satirical song, Trumpty Dumpty Blues, targeting Trump’s handling of the COVID-19 pandemic. The song was a response to Trump’s tweet criticizing Daniels’ portrayal of former FBI Director James Comey in The Comey Rule. Daniels replied on X, noting the show’s success and inviting Trump to “sing along” to the song. He also supported Joe Biden in the 2020 election and warned in 2019 that Trump’s re-election could threaten democracy.
The Late Show Cancellation and Political Context
The timing of Daniels’ remarks aligns with CBS’s July 17, 2025, announcement that The Late Show with Stephen Colbert will conclude in May 2026 after over three decades on air. CBS cited financial reasons, denying any connection to the show’s performance or Colbert’s tenure since 2015. However, the decision has sparked speculation about political motivations, particularly due to a recent settlement between CBS’s parent company, Paramount, and Trump over a 2024 CBS News 60 Minutes interview with Kamala Harris.
Colbert, a vocal Trump critic, called the settlement a “big fat bribe” in a monologue, linking it to Paramount’s efforts to secure federal approval for its merger with Skydance Media. Public figures like Senator Elizabeth Warren and Representative Adam Schiff have questioned whether the cancellation was politically driven, with Warren tweeting, “America deserves to know if his show was canceled for political reasons.” Celebrities, including Ben Stiller, Andy Richter, and Rachel Zegler, expressed support for Colbert, lamenting the loss of a cultural institution.
Trump’s Push for “Redskins” Name Revival
Adding to the political tension, Trump has intensified his campaign to reinstate the Washington Commanders’ former name, “Redskins,” which was retired in 2020 after criticism for its racial insensitivity. On July 20, 2025, Trump posted on Truth Social, threatening to block the team’s new stadium project at the RFK Stadium site unless the name is restored. White House Press Secretary Karoline Leavitt confirmed Trump’s stance, emphasizing his passion for sports and unconventional leadership style.
Commanders owner Josh Harris has rejected reverting to the old name, affirming the “Commanders” identity as central to the team’s rebranding. ESPN’s Stephen A. Smith criticized Trump’s push as “petty” and a distraction, while Native American activist Suzan Shown Harjo urged the team to stand firm. The stadium deal, involving a $3.7 billion investment, still requires D.C. Council approval, and Trump’s threats have raised concerns about potential federal interference.
A Polarized Cultural and Political Landscape
Daniels’ comments, the The Late Show cancellation, and Trump’s naming controversy reflect a deeply polarized moment in American culture. Daniels’ vision of a leadership rooted in integrity contrasts with the contentious debates surrounding media, sports, and politics. As The Late Show approaches its final season, and as the Commanders’ stadium project faces political scrutiny, these events underscore the complex interplay of public sentiment, corporate decisions, and political influence shaping the nation’s discourse.