Trump slams CBS, Colbert, suggests broadcast networks lose licenses

By 
, December 25, 2025 
Category:

Donald Trump has unleashed a fiery critique of late-night television and major networks that’s sure to spark debate.

In a series of sharp social media posts on TRUTH Social this past Tuesday, Trump took aim at CBS host Stephen Colbert and the broader landscape of network programming, accusing them of bias and failure while calling for drastic measures, as Just the News reports.

Trump didn’t mince words when targeting Colbert, painting him as a flop in the entertainment world. His frustration seems rooted in a belief that certain media figures are given platforms despite lacking merit.

Trump’s Harsh Words for Colbert

“Stephen Colbert is a pathetic trainwreck, with no talent or anything else necessary for show business success,” Trump declared on TRUTH Social. That’s a brutal assessment, and while some might call it over-the-top, it reflects a growing conservative frustration with late-night comedy’s often one-sided political jabs.

Trump also claimed Colbert’s show has spiraled downward since CBS announced its cancellation earlier this year for financial reasons. He argues the program’s viewership is virtually nonexistent, a point that fuels his demand for CBS to pull the plug immediately.

In fact, Trump went as far as suggesting CBS should act out of compassion by ending the program. There’s a biting wit in framing this as a “humanitarian” move, though critics might see it as an attempt to silence dissenting voices. Still, the underlying critique of failing content resonates with those disillusioned by mainstream media.

Broader Attack on Network Giants

Trump’s ire wasn’t limited to Colbert or CBS—he expanded his attack to include late-night hosts across NBC and ABC as well. He accused them of being overpaid while delivering content with little talent or audience appeal.

“High Salaries, No Talent, REALLY LOW RATINGS,” Trump posted, summarizing his view of these network personalities. That’s a zinger with punch, and it’s hard to ignore the declining viewership numbers that often back up such claims.

But Trump didn’t stop at personalities; he took aim at the networks’ news divisions too. He argued their coverage is overwhelmingly negative toward him, his movement, and the Republican Party as a whole. Many on the right nod in agreement, seeing a pattern of bias in nightly broadcasts.

License Threat Raises Eyebrows

In a bold escalation, Trump suggested that CBS, NBC, and ABC should have their broadcast licenses revoked if their newscasts remain hostile to his cause. This proposal has sent shockwaves through media circles, raising questions about free speech and governmental overreach.

The idea of yanking licenses is, admittedly, a drastic one, and even some conservatives might hesitate at the precedent it sets. Still, it taps into a deep frustration with networks that many feel act more as activists than journalists. The debate over media accountability is far from settled.

Trump’s posts have reignited a familiar tension between political figures and the press. For those aligned with his views, this is about leveling a playing field skewed by progressive gatekeepers. Opponents, however, may see it as an attack on independent reporting.

What’s Next for Networks?

As this story unfolds, the question remains whether Trump’s words will translate into policy or remain fiery rhetoric.

For now, Colbert and other hosts are in the crosshairs of a cultural battle over entertainment and information. Many conservatives hope this signals a shift toward content that better reflects diverse perspectives.

Ultimately, Trump’s critique is less about one show or host and more about a media landscape many on the right find hostile. Whether you agree with his methods or not, the underlying grievance strikes a chord with millions. This is one broadcast feud that’s far from over.

About Alex Tanzer

Alex writes about politics, power, and the people making decisions everyone else has to live with. His work centers on accountability, media narratives, and policy fallout—without the jargon or spin. With a clean, direct style, Alex aims to make political news readable, useful, and occasionally entertaining.

STAY UPDATED

Subscribe to our newsletter and receive exclusive content directly in your inbox