Bruce Springsteen made headlines during Stephen Colbert’s penultimate episode of “The Late Show” on May 20, 2026. The iconic musician took the opportunity to criticize former President Donald Trump and CBS’s parent company, Paramount Skydance. Springsteen expressed his support for Colbert, who faced an unusual fate for a talk show host. He remarked, “You’re the first guy in America who’s lost his show because we’ve got a president who can’t take a joke.”
Critical Remarks Towards Trump and Paramount Skydance
In his sharp critique, Springsteen accused Paramount’s CEO, David Ellison, and his father Larry of currying favor with Trump. This comment came amidst the backdrop of a tumultuous period for late-night television.
- Show Cancellation: CBS announced the cancellation of “The Late Show with Stephen Colbert” shortly before the final episode.
- Financial Issues: The show reportedly faced an annual loss of $40 million.
- Paramount’s Sale: Paramount was sold to Skydance for $8.4 billion in August 2025.
Musical Performance and Social Commentary
During the show, Springsteen performed “Streets of Minneapolis,” a song that critiques Trump’s immigration policies. This track was inspired by the deaths of anti-ICE protesters Alex Pretti and Renee Good, killed during federal operations in January. Trump’s presidency has been marked by significant controversy, particularly over immigration enforcement.
Stephen Colbert’s Legacy and Final Show
Colbert, who took over from David Letterman in 2015, will conclude nearly 11 years on CBS with more than 1,800 episodes. Critics of the network, including former late-night host Letterman and Jimmy Kimmel, have voiced skepticism regarding the stated financial motivations for the show’s cancellation.
In a notable 2022 comment, Trump disparaged Colbert, calling him “a pathetic trainwreck” devoid of talent. This political rivalry has further amplified tensions within the late-night landscape.
The Future After “The Late Show”
As Colbert prepares to exit the stage, audiences are left to speculate about the future of late-night television. The shifts in programming and the politics surrounding them continue to provoke discussion among fans and critics alike.
