iHeartMedia radio host Charlamagne tha God Friday passionately responded to CBS’ Thursday announcement that it would end Stephen Colbert’s “The Late Show” after the upcoming TV season. The decision came after Paramount Global, CBS’ parent company, settled a lawsuit with President Donald Trump over the editing of a “60 Minutes” interview with former Vice President Kamala Harris in October 2024.
Speaking on “The Breakfast Club,” Charlamagne called the move a clear sign of Trump’s authoritarian influence.
Charlamagne on Stephen Colbert's show getting canceled: "If you don't think we are under a regime with an authoritarian strategy, then you are bugging. This is textbook authoritarian rule."pic.twitter.com/FYDqT4HgmF
— Thomas Sowell Quotes (@ThomasSowell) July 19, 2025
“Paramount needs FCC approval for its Skydance merger, and Trump can block it. Canceling Colbert is obviously about appeasing him,” he said. “This is textbook authoritarianism: target critics, centralize power, intimidate through punishment. It silences people and tightens control over public discourse.”He argued that the settlement and cancellation send a chilling message to media outlets: criticizing Trump could cost access, editorial control, or jobs.
“This is what authoritarian regimes do—weaponize legal systems to punish dissent,” Charlamagne said.
“When the highest-rated late-night show gets canceled after political criticism, it’s a warning,”
Charlamagne continued. “It’s strategic silence to limit dissent, like in North Korea, China, or Russia. This is a free speech funeral in slow motion.”