On Tuesday, Sunny Hostin, co-host of ‘The View’, raised concerns that the cancellation of Stephen Colbert’s ‘Late Show’ could signal the start of the ‘dismantling of our Constitution’. CBS announced the show’s end in May 2026, with the network attributing the move to financial reasons. However, critics suggest political motivations were at play. Just days before the cancellation, Colbert criticized Paramount’s recent settlement with then-president Donald Trump over his defamation lawsuit against ’60 Minutes’, calling it a ‘big fat bribe’ ahead of a pending merger between Paramount and Skydance Media.
Hostin and her fellow co-hosts questioned CBS’s explanation for the cancellation, pointing out that if politics were involved, it could jeopardize democracy’s foundation. She emphasized that the First Amendment guarantees freedom of the press and speech, which allows comedians to speak truth to power. If that freedom is threatened, Hostin argued, it could mark a significant threat to the Constitution and the country’s democratic framework.
Hostin praised senators Elizabeth Warren and Bernie Sanders for speaking up about the cancellation, highlighting their calls for transparency. Several other high-profile Democrats also voiced support for protecting free speech in the context of the show’s cancellation. Joy Behar echoed these concerns, warning that attacking comedians signals a potential threat to democracy.
Meanwhile, Stephen Colbert delivered a pointed response to Donald Trump on his final episode, countering the president’s remarks that Colbert was fired due to his lack of talent. Colbert quipped, ‘How dare you, sir? Would an untalented man be able to compose the following satirical witticism? Go f— yourself.’ His remarks underscored the tension between the comedian and the former president.