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President Trump declared that “total jerk” Stephen Colbert is “finally finished” at CBS as the “Late Show” host took his final bow on Thursday.

“Colbert is finally finished at CBS. Amazing that he lasted so long! No talent, no ratings, no life. He was like a dead person,” Trump wrote on Truth Social Friday morning. “You could take any person off of the street and they would be better than this total jerk. Thank goodness he’s finally gone!”

Colbert had hosted the late-night program for 11 seasons — replacing David Letterman in 2015 — before the network announced it was canceling the failing series last July due to a “financial decision.”


  President Trump speaks during an event in the Oval Office on May 21, 2026. AP Photo/Jacquelyn Martin President Trump speaks during an event in the Oval Office on May 21, 2026. AP Photo/Jacquelyn Martin

“This show has been a joy for us to do for you,” Colbert said in his final monologue. “I cannot adequately explain to you what the people who work here have done for each other, and how much we mean to each other.

“We love doing the show for you, but what we really love, is doing the show with you.”

The 62-year-old comedian blamed Trump for his show being axed following CBS owner Paramount’s legal settlement with the president.

Colbert has long been a critic of the commander-in-chief, and ramped up his anti-Trump jokes following the cancellation announcement.

However, Colbert steered away from political discourse during his farewell episode

He did allow lead Trump-basher Bruce Springsteen to take jabs at the White House in Wednesday’s penultimate show.


  Stephen Colbert during the final “The Late Show” on May 21, 2026. CBS Stephen Colbert during the final “The Late Show” on May 21, 2026. CBS

  Stephen Colbert holds onto the switch for the lights of “The Late Show” at the end of the final episode on May 21, 2026. CBS via Getty Images Stephen Colbert holds onto the switch for the lights of “The Late Show” at the end of the final episode on May 21, 2026. CBS via Getty Images

“I’m here in support tonight for Stephen, because you’re the first guy in America who’s lost his show because we’ve got a president who can’t take a joke,” Springsteen told the crowd.

“And uh, because Larry and David Ellison feel they need to kiss his ass to get what they want,” The Boss added, referring to the Paramount CEO and his son.

Colbert’s show had been a haven for liberal politicians and journalists to express their views against Trump.


  Stephen Colbert and Bruce Springsteen perform during the penultimate “Late Show” on May 20, 2026. CBS Stephen Colbert and Bruce Springsteen perform during the penultimate “Late Show” on May 20, 2026. CBS

  Fans line up outside the Ed Sullivan Theater ahead of the final show of “The Late Show with Stephen Colbert” on May 21, 2026. Michael Nagle for NY Post Fans line up outside the Ed Sullivan Theater ahead of the final show of “The Late Show with Stephen Colbert” on May 21, 2026. Michael Nagle for NY Post

Between 2022 and July 2025, Colbert hosted 176 left-leaning guests and only one conservative, according to a study by media watchdog NewsBusters.

Trump had ramped up his criticism of Colbert in the show’s dying weeks ahead of the series finale. 

“Stephen Colbert is a pathetic trainwreck, with no talent or anything else necessary for show business success,” Trump said back in December.

“Now, after being terminated by CBS, but left out to dry, he has actually gotten worse, along with his nonexistent ratings. Stephen is running on hatred and fumes ~ A dead man walking! CBS should, ‘put him to sleep,’ NOW, it is the humanitarian thing to do!” he added.

Thursday’s show at the Ed Sullivan Theater in Midtown Manhattan included a mashup of surprise cameos from Bryan Cranston, Paul Rudd, Tim Meadows, Tig Notaro, and Ryan Reynolds, all of whom thought they were going to be Colbert’s final guest.

Colbert also welcomed his fellow “Strike Force Five” late-night hosts — Jimmy Kimmel, Jimmy Fallon, Seth Meyers and John Oliver — all of whom had raced to support Colbert when the “Late Show” was axed.

The comedian often accused Trump of meddling with the Tiffany Network after the president sued CBS for its handling of a “60 Minutes” interview with then-Vice President Kamala Harris, claiming election interference leading up to the 2024 contest.


  The crowd gives Stephen Colbert a standing ovation inside the Ed Sullivan Theater on May 21, 2026. CBS via Getty Images The crowd gives Stephen Colbert a standing ovation inside the Ed Sullivan Theater on May 21, 2026. CBS via Getty Images


  Stephen Colbert talks with Paul McCartney during the final “Late Show” on May 21, 2026. CBS Stephen Colbert talks with Paul McCartney during the final “Late Show” on May 21, 2026. CBS

  President Donald Trump celebrated Stephen Colbert’s final show in a post on Truth Social on May 22, 2026. @realDonaldTrump/TruthSocial President Donald Trump celebrated Stephen Colbert’s final show in a post on Truth Social on May 22, 2026. @realDonaldTrump/TruthSocial

The show ended with one last surprise as Paul McCartney graced the same stage The Beatles performed on during an iconic episode of “The Ed Sullivan Show” in 1964.

Colbert, McCartney, Elvis Costello, Jon Batiste, and Louis Cato sang a rendition of “Hello Goodbye” in the final moments of the program.

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