Stephen Colbert didn’t hold back in his latest Late Show monologue, turning Donald Trump’s own jabs right back at him after Trump hosted the 2025 Kennedy Center Honors. With the broadcast drawing historically low ratings, Colbert seized the moment for a sharp, hilarious takedown, blending humor with pointed critique.
Trump’s Ratings Disaster Takes Center Stage
This year’s Kennedy Center Honors, with Trump at the helm, drew just 3 million viewers on CBS, which is the lowest in the show’s history. Colbert opened his monologue, riffing on the numbers: “Nobody saw that coming… I’m sorry, I read that wrong. Uh, nobody saw that.”
The late-night host mirrored Trump’s past attacks, which had branded him “no talent” with “nonexistent ratings.” Colbert replied, barely restraining his glee: “The president managed to draw only 3 million viewers on CBS. It is beneath me to gloat, but if it weren’t, I’d call him no-talent, low-rated Donald Trump.” The crowd erupted with cheers and chants of “Stephen,” per Mediaite.
Colbert also highlighted the contrast with his own tenure as host. “As a former Kennedy Center host myself, I know it can take a while to build up an audience,” he said, flashing a graphic showing his 2014 broadcast drew 9.25 million viewers. “What?! 9.25 million viewers! Three times as many?! And I didn’t even name the building after myself.”
Colbert Faces Backlash
Not everyone applauded the jab. Many fans and critics turned to Twitter to criticize Colbert for targeting Trump. @UnpopTakes wrote, “Colbert still crying about Trump while his own ratings are in the toilet. Imagine obsessing over an awards show no one watches. Touch grass, liberal.” @MockYuah commented, “If Trump cured cancer, Democrats would march in the streets with tumors on their flags,” while @MiMiLooLooTx added, “The guy who is cancelled is ridiculing someone who is not?”
Others criticized the Kennedy Center itself. @LifeJets489099 remarked, “Kennedy Center was a shit hole falling apart. Trump built it back up.” And @TomKenn45115975 quipped, “I thought this guy’s show was canceled.”
By weaving Trump’s insults into his monologue while under fire himself, Colbert transformed Trump’s jabs into a comedic showdown that had audiences laughing and debating after the monologue ended.
