In classic Trump fashion, the former president wasted no time weighing in on the recent cancellation of The Late Show with Stephen Colbert, taking a celebratory victory lap on social media and delivering a headline-grabbing endorsement of Fox News’ Greg Gutfeld.

“Greg Gutfeld is better than them all combined!” Trump declared in a Truth Social post that quickly went viral, referring to the collapse of traditional late-night television — and taking a direct swipe at Colbert, Jimmy Fallon, Jimmy Kimmel, and others in the process.

The cancellation of Colbert’s long-running CBS late-night show sent shockwaves through the entertainment world. While network executives cited budgetary concerns and shifting viewer habits, Trump was quick to assign a different reason: “People are tired of nasty, unfunny Trump jokes. Late-night died the minute it became one-sided.”

Colbert Cancelled: The End of an Era?

Stephen Colbert, once the king of political satire, had been riding high in the ratings for years — especially during the Trump presidency. His nightly monologues skewering the former commander-in-chief became appointment viewing for millions of liberal-leaning Americans. But as ratings steadily declined in the post-Trump era, and streaming platforms drew younger audiences away from network television, The Late Show found itself struggling to maintain relevance.

The official announcement from CBS cited “creative restructuring and digital-first priorities,” but insiders have revealed that falling ad revenue and high production costs played a key role in the show’s demise. Some also speculated that the show’s increasingly narrow political focus alienated viewers looking for broader comedy.

Trump’s Victory Lap

Never one to miss a moment to fire back, Trump’s reaction was swift and scathing.

“Colbert thought attacking me every night would keep him relevant,” Trump wrote. “Instead, he became the face of boring, bitter television. People want to laugh, not be lectured.”

He didn’t stop there. In the same post, Trump heaped praise on Fox News host Greg Gutfeld, calling him “a true talent, smart, funny, and actually entertaining.”

“Gutfeld is winning because he talks to Americans, not at them,” Trump continued. “He’s not afraid to be funny AND fair. That’s why he’s number one.”

The endorsement, though unsurprising given Trump’s history with the liberal-leaning late-night scene, still lit up conservative media circles. Gutfeld, who has quietly built Gutfeld! into one of the most-watched late-night programs in America, has often credited his success to offering something “refreshing” in a space dominated by left-wing voices.

Gutfeld vs. The Old Guard

Greg Gutfeld’s rise from satirical columnist and Red Eye host to Fox News late-night king has been nothing short of remarkable. While many in the industry initially dismissed Gutfeld! as a political sideshow, it has consistently pulled in ratings that rival — and often beat — Colbert, Kimmel, and Fallon.

Gutfeld’s humor leans libertarian-populist, with an emphasis on mocking political correctness, cultural absurdities, and media hypocrisy. He’s unapologetic, punchy, and leans into controversy — a formula that has made him a favorite among Trump supporters and a growing demographic of younger viewers disillusioned with traditional comedy.

When asked about Trump’s comments, Gutfeld responded in typical deadpan fashion on his show: “I guess when late-night gives up, someone has to pick up the slack. You’re welcome, America.”

His co-hosts laughed, but the message was clear: Gutfeld knows he’s won a cultural battle — and he’s not shy about it.

The Future of Late Night?

With Colbert out and Gutfeld dominating, the landscape of late-night television is undergoing a dramatic shift. Traditional hosts once relied on celebrity guests, scripted monologues, and anti-Trump material. But the formula appears to be faltering. Viewers are craving authenticity, surprise, and voices that don’t all sound the same.

Trump’s celebration of Colbert’s cancelation is as much about culture as it is about television. In his eyes, the fall of shows like The Late Show signals a rejection of “woke comedy” and a hunger for content that speaks to a broader, more politically diverse audience.

Whether or not Trump’s take proves accurate, there’s no denying the irony: the man who was once the primary target of late-night ridicule is now shaping its future — and cheering as its old guard fades.

Final Thoughts

Greg Gutfeld may not fit the mold of traditional late-night hosts, but that may be precisely why he’s succeeding. With Trump’s endorsement fueling the buzz and rivals dropping off one by one, Gutfeld has positioned himself not just as a ratings leader — but as the new face of a redefined genre.

As for Stephen Colbert, his departure marks the end of an era that began with satire and ended with a divided audience. And in the ever-evolving world of media and politics, even late-night laughter isn’t safe from disruption.