On July 22, 2025, U.S. President Donald Trump intensified his feud with late-night television hosts by predicting that Jimmy Kimmel and Jimmy Fallon would face cancellations following an on-air insult from Stephen Colbert.
In a post on Truth Social, Trump described the hosts as “untalented” and claimed they are “destroying what used to be GREAT television.” This statement followed Colbert’s remark during a Monday night episode of “The Late Show,” where he told Trump to “Go f*** yourself.” Colbert made this comment in front of his fellow hosts amid news that his show would be ending in 2026.
Trump wrote: “The word is out, and it’s a strong one: Jimmy Kimmel is next to be eliminated in the untalented late-night sweepstakes, and soon after, Fallon will follow. It’s truly satisfying to see them go, and I hope I played a significant role in it!”
Donald Trump Says Kimmel, Fallon 'Will Be Gone' After 'Late Show' Cancellation https://t.co/Z8nTNsooRF
— TMZ (@TMZ) July 22, 2025
Late-Night Hosts’ Feud with Trump: A Timeline
The White House responded to Colbert’s remarks through spokeswoman Taylor Rogers: “Colbert’s performance last night is a perfect example of why he costs CBS over $40 million a year. He is completely unfunny and out of touch. Eighty million Americans love President Trump and are tired of ‘comedy’ shows hosted by grumbling losers like him. Maybe he will come to terms with reality now that he has all this newfound free time!”
TMZ reported that Speculation surrounds Colbert’s cancellation, as Paramount’s merger with Skydance Media—requiring FCC approval under the Trump administration—appears to be the cause. Kimmel and Fallon have not made any public comments.
Read: Why CBS Cancelled Stephen Colbert’s The Late Show?
This exchange highlights tensions between Trump and media critics, with no indications of impending cancellations for Kimmel or Fallon based on current reports.
Trump’s criticisms follow Colbert’s defiant episode, where he hosted peers but Kimmel was absent. The incident reignites debates on the role of political satire in entertainment. Trump’s attacks on late-night hosts underscore ongoing media-political clashes. As Colbert’s show comes to an end, the future of similar programs remains uncertain.