Colbert Bids Farewell to Live 'Late Show' After Trump's Record-Breaking State of the Union

The host joked about the president's low approval ratings and divisive rhetoric in his final live episode.

Published on Feb. 25, 2026

Got story updates? Submit your updates here. ›

Stephen Colbert hosted his last ever live episode of The Late Show following President Donald Trump's record-breaking State of the Union address during his second term. Colbert mocked the length of the speech, Trump's low approval ratings, and the divisive nature of the president's remarks, joking that he "dropped an edible" to get through the evening. The host was later joined by former CBS News anchor John Dickerson.

Why it matters

Colbert's live post-State of the Union episodes have become a tradition, providing a comedic counterpoint to the president's address. This final live show marks the end of an era, as Colbert departs the format he has used to skewer the Trump administration for years.

The details

Colbert opened the show with a Wicked parody, clearly in a playful mood for his last live episode. He joked about the speech's record-breaking length, saying Senator Jon Ossoff "turned into Jon Voight" during the lengthy address. Colbert also mocked Trump's low approval ratings, his boasts about the "Trump Account for Kids" program, and the president's desire to award himself the Congressional Medal of Freedom.

  • President Trump's State of the Union address lasted over 1 hour and 45 minutes, breaking the record.
  • Colbert's live episode of The Late Show followed immediately after the State of the Union on February 25, 2026.

The players

Stephen Colbert

The host of The Late Show, known for his comedic takedowns of the Trump administration.

President Donald Trump

The 46th President of the United States, serving his second term at the time of this event.

John Dickerson

A former CBS News anchor who joined Colbert on the show.

Got photos? Submit your photos here. ›

What they’re saying

“I didn't know what to expect. These are always kind of rough with Trump, so just to smooth things out right before the speech, I dropped an edible and strapped in.”

— Stephen Colbert, Host, The Late Show (Deadline)

“It was a dark speech filled with divisive lies, and it's unlikely to win him much support with the voters who have grown disenchanted with the chaos and dysfunction of the second administration.”

— Stephen Colbert, Host, The Late Show (Deadline)

What’s next

Colbert's departure from the live post-State of the Union format marks the end of an era, as the host has used the platform to provide comedic commentary on the Trump presidency for years. It remains to be seen how the late-night landscape will evolve without Colbert's unique take on these high-profile political events.

The takeaway

Colbert's final live Late Show episode following the State of the Union underscores the host's role as a comedic counterpoint to the Trump administration's divisive rhetoric and policies. His departure from this format signals the end of an era, as late-night television continues to grapple with the challenges and opportunities presented by the Trump presidency.