Stephen Colbert has explicit three-word response to Donald Trump after show is cancelled

Last week, Donald Trump claimed he 'absolutely loves' the fact that Stephen Colbert's long-standing talk-show has been axed, and now, the presenter has issued a damning three-word statement in response.

For those out of the loop with the on-screen drama, telly confirmed the news of the Late Show's cancellation on Thursday (17 July), claiming in a bombshell statement it was purely a 'financial decision'.

In a release signed by Paramount co-CEO George Cheeks, CBS' Entertainment president Amy Reisenbach, and the firm's Studios president David Stapf, it was agreed that Colbert's show would come to an end in May 2026.

"We consider Stephen Colbert irreplaceable and will retire The Late Show franchise at that time," the statement continued. "We are proud that Stephen called CBS home. He and the broadcast will be remembered in the pantheon of greats that graced late night television."

Trump previously issued a savage response to news of the show's cancellation (Truth Social)

Interestingly, however, days earlier, 61-year-old Colbert had spoken out against Paramount's decision to pay President Trump $16 million (£12m), describing the payment as a 'big fat bribe'.

The politician had claimed that the broadcaster had edited an electoral debate in favour of his former Democrat opponent Kamala Harris.

Following the announcement that the much-loved celebrity-hosting show was coming to an end, Trump, 79, wrote online last week: "I absolutely love that Colbert got fired. His talent was even less than his ratings. I hear Jimmy Kimmel is next. Has even less talent than Colbert!"

The President went on to claim that Fox News anchor Greg Gutfield - who was recently hit with backlash for a monologue about how right-wingers should reclaim the word 'Nazi' - is 'better than all of them combined'.

"Including the Moron on NBC who ruined the once great Tonight Show," Trump went on.

As we say, however, Colbert has since responded to Trump's Truth Social post, issuing a passionate statement on live television last night.

Speaking on Sunday night's instalment of his show (21 Jul), he quoted the Republican's statements about his alleged lack of talent and ratings, telling attendees: "How dare you, Sir. Would an untalented man be able to compose the following satirical witticism?"

"'Go f**k yourself'," he then quipped, after which the live audience erupted into cheers.

The moment has since gone viral online, with social media users praising his brutal choice of wording.

"LMAOOOO I mean what does he have to lose. I would do this too," one confessed.

Another asked: "So when is his show getting canceled or whatever? I’m ready for him to go on his own platform and really get a bag and the audience that he deserves. I love Stephen!"

Confusion regarding the show's cancellation also comes as Paramount are seeking the approval of Trump's administration for a $8.4 million merger with media giant Skydance.

Colbert's show will come to an end in May 2026 (Scott Kowalchyk/CBS via Getty Images)

Naturally, therefore, the move has prompted a number of online critics to point fingers, including Democrat senator Elizabeth Warren.

Taking to X, she previously wrote: "CBS canceled Colbert’s show just THREE DAYS after Colbert called out CBS parent company Paramount for its $16M settlement with Trump – a deal that looks like bribery.

"America deserves to know if his show was canceled for political reasons."