Stephen Colbert didn't waste any time addressing President Donald Trump on Monday night's episode of The Late Show. The comedian delivered an expletive-laden response to the president celebrating Paramount's decision to cancel the late-night show.
While Paramount claimed it was purely a financial decision to end The Late Show with Stephen Colbert next year, the optics suggest other factors are at play. Paramount needs the FCC to approve its sale to Skydance, which may be why Paramount agreed to pay a $16 million settlement to President Trump. Colbert blasted the decision, calling it a "bribe."
Just days later, Paramount made the shocking decision that Colbert would be out of a job in 10 months. President Trump celebrated the news on social media by claiming Colbert had low ratings and even less talent.
Colbert took his chance to respond during Monday night's monologue. “How dare you, sir? Would an untalented man be able to compose the following satirical witticism? Go f*** yourself,” he said directly to camera.
Colbert went on to defend Jimmy Kimmel, whom Trump claimed would be next to be cancelled. “Absolutely not, Kimmel," Colbert joked. "I am the martyr. There’s only room for one on this cross and I gotta tell you, the view is fantastic from up here.”
The crowd roared in approval at Colbert calling out the president. Chants broke out in the Ed Sullivan Theater, where protestors gathered before Monday night's show in support of the late-night host. The New York City crowds called out, "Colbert stays! Trump must go!”
If Monday night's monologue is any indication, Colbert isn't going to hold back when it comes to covering President Trump over the next 10 months. The previous 10 years may seem tame compared to what The Late Show has planned, especially if Colbert feels like he's got nothing to lose. Paramount is also likely to get harsh treatment from the comedian now that the gloves are off.
The only question now is if President Trump chooses to respond. He's been in plenty of back-and-forths with late-night TV hosts in the past. Colbert's "go f*** yourself" line is just the kind of thing that would get under the president's skin and be impossible to ignore. If Trump does hit back, he may play right into Colbert's hands as the outgoing Late Show host has no reason to back down.
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