Democrats Back Stephen Colbert as CBS Cancels The Late Show Amid Controversy

In a surprising turn of events, CBS has announced the cancellation of The Late Show with Stephen Colbert, set to conclude in 2026, prompting an outpouring of support from top Democratic figures who hailed the host as a fearless voice against power. House Minority Leader Hakeem Jeffries took to social media to commend Colbert’s boldness, stating, "Thank you for speaking truth to power and never bending the knee to a wannabe king."

The network insists this is a purely financial decision amid a tough late-night landscape, unrelated to the show’s content or the looming ownership changes at Paramount. Yet, the timing has raised eyebrows, especially after Colbert’s sharp criticism of Paramount’s recent settlement with former President Trump, which some see as a questionable move by the network’s billionaire owners.

Figures like Gov. Tim Walz, running mate to Kamala Harris in 2024, echoed the sentiment, calling Colbert the best in the business for his unapologetic stance. Senators Bernie Sanders, Elizabeth Warren, and Adam Schiff have also weighed in, with Sanders bluntly questioning if the cancellation is tied to Colbert’s outspokenness, saying it’s no coincidence. Warren and Schiff demand transparency, insisting the public deserves to know if political motives are at play.

Since taking over from David Letterman in 2015, Colbert’s show became a stronghold for liberal politics, often serving as a platform for Democratic voices. His recent hosting of socialist New York City mayoral candidate Zohran Mamdani only underscores the show’s ideological lean. As this saga unfolds, the debate over free speech, corporate influence, and the future of late-night TV grows louder. Will this cancellation mark a chilling precedent for voices that dare to challenge the powerful? Only time will tell.