In a delicious twist of irony that has late-night fans roaring with delight, Stephen Colbert emerged victorious in an unexpected ratings showdown against Donald Trump following the 2025 Kennedy Center Honors. The annual gala, which celebrates luminaries in the performing arts, hit rock bottom with just 2.65 million viewers tuning in—a staggering 35% plunge from the previous year’s 4.1 million, marking the lowest audience in the event’s nearly 50-year history. Hosted by Trump himself, the broadcast on CBS became fodder for mockery, with Colbert’s own show consistently drawing higher numbers and solidifying his status as the undisputed king of late-night television.
The Kennedy Center Honors, traditionally a star-studded affair held in Washington, D.C., honored a diverse lineup this year: rock legends KISS, country icon George Strait, action hero Sylvester Stallone, disco queen Gloria Gaynor, and Broadway star Michael Crawford. Past events have drawn A-list tributes from figures like Beyoncé and Tom Hanks, blending heartfelt speeches with musical performances to celebrate American culture. However, Trump’s involvement as host and self-appointed chairman injected controversy from the start. He boldly renamed the venue the “Trump-Kennedy Center” and installed loyalist Richard Grenell as interim president, moves that sparked backlash amid fears of politicization. Ticket sales for related events reportedly dropped 36% in the fall, reflecting public unease.
Trump’s hosting gig was meant to showcase his flair for spectacle, but it backfired spectacularly. Social media erupted with memes and jabs, attributing the dismal viewership to his polarizing presence. One viral post quipped about the “couch getting a workout” from disinterested viewers, while others urged reporters to grill Trump on the flop. The former president fired back on his Truth Social platform, lashing out at Colbert as a “pathetic trainwreck” with “no talent,” claiming his ratings were “nonexistent” and suggesting CBS “put him to sleep.” Trump even floated the idea of quitting the presidency to host full-time, a notion that drew eye-rolls across the political spectrum.
Meanwhile, Colbert’s The Late Show continues to thrive, averaging 2.8 to 3 million viewers nightly in the third quarter of 2025—outpacing not only the Honors but also rivals like Jimmy Kimmel and Jimmy Fallon. Colbert, who hosted the 2023 ceremony to rave reviews and 5.34 million viewers, has long been a vocal Trump critic, skewering him in monologues that blend sharp wit with cultural commentary. His show’s success stems from a mix of celebrity interviews, satirical segments, and live music, maintaining relevance in a fragmented media landscape. As CBS plans to wrap up The Late Show in 2026, Colbert’s enduring popularity offers a fitting send-off.
This ratings debacle underscores broader shifts in entertainment. The Honors, once a bipartisan beacon, now grapples with division in a polarized America. Controversies like the cancellation of the Gay Men’s Chorus performance—defended by Grenell as a push for “professionalism”—further alienated audiences seeking escapism. For Trump, whose media ventures have often floundered, this adds to a string of setbacks. Yet for Colbert, it’s poetic justice: the comedian who turned Trump into nightly punchlines now watches as his nemesis delivers the ultimate flop.
As awards season ramps up, this episode reminds us that star power alone can’t guarantee eyeballs—authenticity and appeal matter. Colbert’s laugh echoes loudest, proving that in the battle of broadcasts, humor triumphs over hubris.
