Trump Targets Late Night Hosts, but Jimmy Kimmel and Stephen Colbert Fire Back

Donald Trump took aim at three late-night television hosts in a Truth Social post on Tuesday.

He singled out Jimmy Kimmel, Jimmy Fallon, and Stephen Colbert, mocking their careers and celebrating what he described as the collapse of late-night TV.

According to Trump, Kimmel is “next to go” in what he called the “untalented Late Night Sweepstakes.” He predicted Fallon would follow soon after. He labeled both men as having “absolutely no talent” and accused them of ruining a once-successful television format while being paid millions to do so. He ended his post by writing, “It’s really good to see them go, and I hope I played a major part in it.”

Trump’s statement came shortly after CBS announced that “The Late Show with Stephen Colbert” will end in May 2026. While CBS claimed financial reasons were behind the decision, the timing raised questions. Days before the announcement, Colbert criticized CBS’ parent company, Paramount, for agreeing to pay Trump $16 million in a legal settlement.

Colbert addressed the cancellation during his July 21st monologue. Standing in front of his audience, he made it clear that he intends to use his final months on air to directly challenge Trump.

“Now for the next 10 months, the gloves are off,” Colbert said. “I can finally speak unvarnished truth to power and say what I really think about Donald Trump, starting right now. I don’t care for him. Doesn’t have the skillset to be President. Just not a good fit.”

Trump had already reacted to the cancellation of Colbert’s show, posting on Truth Social, “I absolutely love that Colbert got fired.”

Colbert responded sharply. “How dare you, sir? Would an untalented man be able to compose the following satirical witticism?” he said. Then he turned to the camera and added, “Go f**k yourself.”

Roughly 100 people gathered outside the Ed Sullivan Theater in New York ahead of Monday’s taping to protest the show’s upcoming end.

Kimmel also responded to Trump, with a swipe at his Jeffrey Epstein drama.

“I’m hearing you’re next. Or maybe it’s just another wonderful secret,” he captioned an Instagram post of Trump’s harsh words toward the hosts.

As the network prepares to wind down “The Late Show,” and Trump continues his attacks, the future of late-night television appears to be heading into uncertain territory.