“I hear Jimmy Kimmel is next”: Trump reacts to CBS decision on Stephen Colbert’s departure

In the wake of the cancellation of Stephen Colbert's "The Late Show", Donald Trump has taken to social media to express his joy at the decision. While framing Colbert's exit on a celebratory note, the POTUS also took shots at Jimmy Kimmel by suggesting that he would be the next in line to get fired.

In the statement released on Truth Social, Trump laid bare his opinions on the two late-night talk show hosts and also praised Fox News' Greg Gutfeld in the process. The statement read as follows:

"I absolutely love that Colbert’ got fired. His talent was even less than his ratings. I hear Jimmy Kimmel is next. Has even less talent than Colbert! Greg Gutfeld is better than all of them combined, including the Moron on NBC who ruined the once great Tonight Show."

Stephen Colbert hosted "The Late Show" for more than 10 years, and his ouster from the show comes just days after he had expressed his displeasure with CBS' parent company, Paramount. The company recently came to a $16 million lawsuit agreement with Trump concerning a seemingly biased 60 Minutes interview, which had been accused of being skewed in favor of Kamala Harris by Trump's team.

Paramount is also seeking the FCC's approval for its $8.4 billion merger with Skydance Media under Trump’s administration, and the timing of Colbert's departure has also raised suspicions of political motivations from the wider public. The company has remained resolute in its defense and has released a statement that refutes the rumors.

"The Late Show with Stephen Colbert’ will end its historic run in May 2026 at the end of the broadcast season. This is purely a financial decision against a challenging backdrop in late night. It is not related in any way to the show’s performance, content or other matters happening at Paramount."

Trump's Relationship with Stephen Colbert

Stephen Colbert and Donald Trump have had a contentious relationship over the years. The two have not always been in agreement, and Trump has often been at the receiving end of Colbert's criticism in his talk show and other public appearances. These incidents include Colbert ridiculing Trump and his first 100 days in power, and mocking Trump's statements concerning the investigation of Jeffrey Epstein.

Last year, Donald Trump reportedly called for CBS to terminate Colbert’s contract, and his previous statements have once again fueled public speculation of Trump using his considerable political influence to get Colbert fired. Stephen has received support from fellow talk show hosts such as Jimmy Kimmel, Jimmy Fallon, among others.

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The Writers Guild of America East and West is already seeking legal recourse in the matter, and has been joined by CNN's Jake Tepper in voicing their concerns.

It is also worth noting that Donald Trump shares a particularly strenuous relationship with Jimmy Kimmel as well, and it remains to be seen what comes of the situation in the days and weeks ahead.

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