Trump Targets Late-Night Hosts Amid Colbert Cancellation Drama
Late-night television is facing an unprecedented storm — and it’s not just about falling ratings. In the wake of CBS announcing the end of The Late Show with Stephen Colbert in 2026, President Donald Trump has publicly suggested
that Jimmy Kimmel and Jimmy Fallon could be next to face cancellation. His remarks come amid speculation over corporate maneuvering, political influence, and tensions between outspoken hosts and network executives.
Trump reignited his feud with late-night hosts this week, calling Colbert, Kimmel, and Fallon “talentless” and claiming he could replace them with “any random person off the street” and still outperform them in viewership. He warned, with his usual combative flair, that Kimmel and Fallon would likely follow Colbert out the door.
CBS cited declining ad revenue and budget constraints in announcing Colbert’s departure, despite nearly a decade as the network’s top-rated late-night program. However, critics note the timing coincides with Colbert’s recent critiques of CBS’s parent company, Paramount Global, especially concerning its $16 million settlement with Trump — fueling questions about political motives behind the decision.
In a show of support, Jimmy Kimmel notably skipped promoting his own show during Emmy season, instead taking out a billboard in West Hollywood endorsing Colbert for awards. Fallon, meanwhile, appears to have more security:
NBC extended his contract through 2028, and he is branching into projects like Password and the reality series On Brand with Jimmy Fallon. Analysts suggest Fallon and Seth Meyers may have more stability than some of their peers — for now.
The late-night landscape faces broader pressures as viewership migrates to streaming, and advertising revenue drops. Calls for accountability are growing:
the Writers Guild of America and Senator Elizabeth Warren have requested investigations into whether Colbert’s exit involved political interference, particularly in the wake of CBS’s merger with Skydance Media.
Colbert responded to the news with a pointed monologue, accusing the network of yielding to fear and bowing to a “vengeful and vindictive” president.
His comments underscore a growing overlap between politics and entertainment, leaving the futures of Kimmel, Fallon, and other hosts uncertain.
Conclusion
Whether Trump’s prediction about Kimmel and Fallon comes to pass remains unclear. What is evident, however, is that late-night television is at a pivotal moment — navigating declining ratings, streaming competition, and potential political pressure.
For viewers and industry insiders alike, the drama has moved from the stage and screen into the boardrooms and backrooms where decisions are shaping the future of the medium.