Stephen Colbert, host of CBS’s The Late Show, was cancelled following the network’s decision to end his program in May 2026, a move tied to a contentious $16 million settlement with President Donald Trump. The announcement came shortly after Colbert publicly criticized his employer, Paramount, for settling Trump’s lawsuit against CBS over a 60 Minutes interview, which was deceptively edited to favor Kamala Harris in the 2024 election. The $16million settlement is seen as a political move by the network to appease the Trump administration for FCC approval of their $8billion Paramount-Skydance Media merger.
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Colbert’s Outspoken Criticism
Colbert’s sharp rebuke of Paramount’s settlement on air ignited a firestorm, with the host accusing the company of paying a “big fat bribe” to secure Trump’s approval for the merger. He expressed deep offense as a CBS employee, suggesting the settlement undermines the network’s credibility. His comments resonated with viewers and critics who see the move as Paramount prioritizing corporate interests over journalistic principles. The timing of the cancellation announcement, just days after his remarks, has led many to believe CBS is retaliating against Colbert’s defiance.
Trump’s Lawsuit Impact
Trump’s lawsuit targeted CBS’s handling of a 60 Minutes interview with Kamala Harris, alleging election interference through selective editing. Paramount’s decision to settle for $16 million, without admitting wrongdoing, has been viewed by some as a strategic move to avoid further legal battles and secure Trump’s favor for the merger.
