Former President Donald Trump took to his Truth Social platform late Tuesday night to launch a scathing attack on late-night host Stephen Colbert, calling him a “total loser” and criticizing both his humor and salary. Trump’s outburst appeared to be triggered by Colbert’s recent interview with Canadian Prime Minister Justin Trudeau, where the host compared Conservative leader Pierre Poilievre to “Canadian Trump.”
Unsurprisingly, Trump didn’t appreciate the comparison and quickly voiced his displeasure. “I briefly watched an interview of Stephen Colbert on highly government-subsidized PBS and found it fascinating for only one reason—why would they be wasting time and the public’s money on this complete and total loser?” Trump wrote, misidentifying the broadcaster, as Colbert’s show airs on CBS, not PBS.
Trump didn’t stop there. In his late-night tirade, he continued his attack on Colbert’s talent and career. “He is not funny, which he gets paid far too much to be, he is not wise, he is VERY BORING, and his show is dying from a complete lack of viewers — Gutfeld, on cable, is killing him!” Trump exclaimed, referring to Greg Gutfeld, a Fox News personality whose conservative-leaning show has drawn comparisons to Colbert’s in recent years.
In typical Trump fashion, he suggested that CBS should fire Colbert and replace him with anyone “right off the street,” who, in his opinion, would do a better job for less money. “Or I could recommend someone, much more talented, and smarter, who would do it for FREE!” Trump added, further escalating the vitriol.
Despite the heavy criticism, Trump offered a backhanded consolation, saying Colbert wasn’t the only target of his disdain. “The good news for Stephen is that the two DOPES on NBC & ABC are not much better than him!” Trump shouted on Truth Social, referring to late-night hosts Jimmy Fallon of NBC’s The Tonight Show and Jimmy Kimmel of ABC’s Jimmy Kimmel Live!
The ex-president’s remarks quickly garnered reactions, with some pointing out the irony of Trump attacking Colbert while once again airing his grievances on his own social media platform. HuffPost reporter Brandi Buchman responded to Trump’s comments on X (formerly Twitter), writing, “The near 80-year-old convicted felon and sexual abuser Donald Trump is on his Twitter knock-off griping about late-night host Stephen Colbert.”
Buchman continued to critique Trump’s response, saying, “Trump will never be funny or talented or skilled, charming or interesting or learned, so he (and his staff) tweet. That’s his skill.” She added a final jab, “His ego is so fragile. It’s like a delicate baby bird.”
Trump’s feud with late-night hosts is nothing new, as he has frequently lashed out at comedians and media figures who criticize him. Colbert, a longtime critic of Trump, has been a particular target of his ire over the years. This latest rant adds to the ongoing war of words between the former president and the late-night television world.
