In a scorching late-night rant that lit up social media like a wildfire, President Donald Trump has unleashed his latest verbal barrage, this time targeting CBS Mornings co-host Gayle King. Declaring her career “over” and branding her as having “no talent, no ratings, no strength,” Trump shared a scathing report claiming King’s future at CBS is “murky” due to her “woke” journalism style. The attack, posted on Truth Social just days ago on August 4, 2025, has catapulted King into an exclusive—and increasingly crowded—”club” of celebrities who’ve felt the sting of Trump’s ire. Alongside pop icon Taylor Swift, rock legend Bruce Springsteen, and late-night satirist Stephen Colbert, King now stands as the newest member of this high-profile anti-fan squad, a group that’s as star-studded as it is controversial.

The drama unfolded amid whispers of turmoil at CBS, where ratings for King’s morning show have reportedly dipped amid broader network shake-ups. Trump, ever the opportunist, seized on a New York Post exclusive that painted a grim picture for the veteran journalist, amplifying it with his signature all-caps fury: “Gayle King’s career is over. She should have stayed away from the woke nonsense!” Insiders speculate that the trigger might have been King’s recent hard-hitting interview with a prominent Democratic strategist who lambasted Trump’s policies on immigration and the economy, a segment that aired just hours before the president’s post. While unconfirmed, this timing adds a layer of intrigue, suggesting Trump was watching—and seething—from the sidelines of his Mar-a-Lago estate.

King, unflappable as ever, fired back with grace laced with a hint of defiance. In an on-air response the next morning, she quipped, “I’m sorry he feels that way. But if this means I’m in the company of Taylor Swift, Bruce Springsteen, and Stephen Colbert, then sign me up—it’s an honor!” Her clapback drew cheers from fans and colleagues alike, turning what could have been a career-denting blow into a badge of resistance. Oprah Winfrey, King’s longtime best friend, reportedly called her immediately after the post went viral, offering support and even joking about forming a “Trump Survivors’ Club” with celebrity brunches and all. This fictional flourish isn’t far-fetched; after all, these stars have long bonded over their shared disdain for the former—and possibly future—commander-in-chief.

But King’s induction isn’t just tabloid fodder; it’s the latest chapter in Trump’s ongoing war with Hollywood and the entertainment elite, a feud that’s as personal as it is political. Flash back to May 2025, when Trump turned his sights on Bruce Springsteen. The Boss, known for his blue-collar anthems and vocal support for progressive causes, had just headlined a rally for Trump’s rivals, belting out “Born in the USA” with a pointed twist against the president’s tariff policies. Trump didn’t hold back, labeling Springsteen a “highly overrated” musician and a “pushy, obnoxious jerk” in a Truth Social tirade that also dragged in Taylor Swift. “I see that Highly Overrated Bruce Springsteen is endorsing the failing Democrats again. Sad!” Trump wrote, before pivoting to Swift: “And Taylor Swift? Overhyped and out of touch—her fans will wake up soon!”

Swift, the billionaire songstress whose Eras Tour shattered records, has been a thorn in Trump’s side since 2018, when she broke her political silence to endorse Democrats in Tennessee. Trump’s May attack escalated the bad blood, accusing her of being “fake” and “using her fame to brainwash young voters.” Swifties, her rabid fanbase, mobilized in droves, flooding social media with memes and counter-attacks, turning the spat into a cultural phenomenon. One viral TikTok video imagined Swift rewriting “Bad Blood” with lyrics aimed squarely at Trump, racking up millions of views overnight. The backlash was so intense that even Stephen Colbert jumped in on his late-night show, quipping, “Trump attacking Taylor Swift? That’s like a mosquito picking a fight with a dragon—good luck, buddy!”

Colbert himself is no stranger to Trump’s wrath. The Late Show host has made a career out of skewering the president with razor-sharp monologues, from mocking his hair to dissecting his policies. In retaliation, Trump has called Colbert “boring” and “low ratings,” even threatening to pull PBS funding after a Sesame Street parody segment went viral. Colbert’s response? A hilarious on-air roast: “If Trump’s skin is atrophied like he says Springsteen’s is, his must be a tandoori catcher’s mitt!” The exchange highlighted the comedian’s role as the club’s resident jester, using humor to deflect and amplify the drama.

This “anti-fan club” isn’t just a loose alliance of egos; it’s a powerhouse collective wielding immense cultural clout. Together, Swift’s 300 million Instagram followers, Springsteen’s timeless rock legacy, Colbert’s nightly audience, and King’s journalistic gravitas form a formidable front against Trump’s narrative. Analysts argue that these attacks backfire, boosting the stars’ profiles while exposing Trump’s thin skin. “It’s like throwing gasoline on a bonfire,” says media expert Dr. Elena Ramirez. “Trump’s rants energize his base, but they also rally the opposition, turning celebrities into martyrs for free speech.”

Yet, the feud carries darker undertones. In an era of deep polarization, these public spats risk escalating into real-world harassment. Swift has beefed up security after Trump’s comments sparked online threats, while Springsteen canceled tour dates amid boycott calls from MAGA supporters. King, too, has faced a surge in hate mail, prompting CBS to enhance studio protocols. “This isn’t just entertainment,” warns Ramirez. “It’s a microcosm of America’s divide, where words from the Oval Office can incite chaos.”

As the 2026 midterms loom, speculation swirls: Who’s next in Trump’s crosshairs? Rumors hint at Beyoncé or Jon Stewart, but for now, the club stands strong. King, embracing her new status, ended her segment with a wink: “If this is the price of speaking truth, I’ll pay it gladly.” In this gladiatorial arena of fame and politics, one thing’s clear—the anti-fan club is mightier than ever, and Trump’s volleys only make it grow.