Colbert calls Trump 'authoritarian' but rejects 'partisan' label in exit interview with NY Times
Stephen Colbert, in a New York Times exit interview, criticized President Donald Trump as authoritarian while rejecting claims that late-night comedy has become overly partisan. He argued that comedians inherently challenge authoritarian figures and that speaking truth to power is not a partisan act. CBS's decision to end 'The Late Show with Stephen Colbert' has sparked controversy, with some suggesting it was influenced by political pressures.
- ▪Stephen Colbert stated that authoritarians dislike being laughed at and that comedians are naturally anti-authoritarian.
- ▪He emphasized that criticizing Trump's narcissism and self-interest is not a partisan stance but a moral one.
- ▪Colbert rejected the idea that late-night television has become too partisan, calling such accusations 'roughing the ref.'
- ▪CBS announced in July 2025 that 'The Late Show with Stephen Colbert' would end in May 2026.
- ▪Some liberal critics believe CBS canceled the show to appease Trump and facilitate a merger between Paramount Global and Skydance Media.
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Media Colbert calls Trump 'authoritarian' but rejects 'partisan' label in exit interview with NY Times The White House responded to Colbert's comments by calling him a 'pathetic trainwreck' By Alexander Hall Fox News Published April 28, 2026 6:44pm EDT Facebook Twitter Threads Flipboard Comments Print Email Add Fox News on Google close Video Late-night hosts target Trump attendance at White House Correspondents' Dinner with preemptive roasts Late-night hosts Stephen Colbert and Jimmy Kimmel targeted President Donald Trump during their shows on Thursday ahead of the White House Correspondents' Dinner on Saturday with preemptive roasts.
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