CBS cancels Late Show as it seeks to court President Trump
The cancellation of the long-running late-night programme coincides with network efforts to align with the White House, drawing criticism from international observers who view the move as a blow to democratic norms.
Stephen Colbert has hosted the final episode of The Late Show on CBS, marking the end of his tenure as host following the network’s decision to cancel the programme. The farewell broadcast featured an all-star lineup headlined by Paul McCartney, providing a high-profile conclusion to the show’s run.
The decision to axe the series comes as CBS actively seeks to court US President Donald Trump. While the network has not released a detailed breakdown of the commercial or strategic reasoning behind the cancellation, the timing suggests a deliberate pivot in the broadcaster’s relationship with the current administration.
The move has drawn sharp criticism from international media outlets. Douglas Herbert of FRANCE 24 characterised Colbert’s exit as evidence of what he described as Trump’s “full-frontal assault on US democracy”. This perspective frames the cancellation not merely as a business decision, but as part of a broader political dynamic affecting media independence.
The specific nature of any pressure exerted by the President on CBS remains unconfirmed in the source material. The available information indicates that the cancellation occurred concurrently with the network’s efforts to engage with the White House, rather than detailing direct orders or threats.
As the programme concludes, the event highlights the intersection of media strategy and political alignment in the United States. The departure of one of the country’s most prominent late-night hosts underscores the shifting landscape of broadcast journalism under the current political climate.
