Colbert Slams Trump Administration After CBS Pulls Senate Candidate Interview

Late-night host says network lawyers barred him from airing interview with Texas state representative due to new FCC guidance on equal airtime for political candidates.

Feb. 19, 2026 at 4:39am

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Stephen Colbert revealed on his late-night show that CBS barred him from airing an interview with Texas state Representative James Talarico, a Democratic candidate for the U.S. Senate, due to new guidance from the Federal Communications Commission (FCC) on equal airtime for political candidates. Colbert criticized the FCC chairman, Brendan Carr, and accused the Trump administration of trying to silence anyone who criticizes the former president on TV.

Why it matters

This incident highlights the growing tension between the media and the Trump administration over perceived political bias. The FCC's new guidance on equal airtime for political candidates on late-night shows could have a chilling effect on free speech and open political discourse, as it gives the government more control over the content of these programs.

The details

Colbert said CBS lawyers told him 'in no uncertain terms' that the interview with Talarico would not air, even though the lawmaker was already in Colbert's studio. Colbert pointed to new FCC guidance from January that warned media companies that talk shows carried on local broadcast networks were required to offer equal airtime to candidates competing for the same office. This was a departure from the FCC's previous ruling in 2006 that interviews on 'The Tonight Show With Jay Leno' were considered 'bona fide news' and exempt from the equal-time rule.

  • The new FCC guidance was issued in January 2026.
  • Early voting in the Texas primary election began on Tuesday, February 18, 2026.

The players

Stephen Colbert

The host of 'The Late Show' on CBS, who is a frequent critic of President Trump.

James Talarico

A Texas state representative who is running for the U.S. Senate as a Democrat.

Brendan Carr

The chairman of the Federal Communications Commission (FCC), who has taken aim at late-night and daytime television shows that he believes are biased.

Jasmine Crockett

A Democratic candidate running against James Talarico in the Texas primary election for the U.S. Senate.

John Cornyn

The Republican incumbent U.S. Senator from Texas who is running for re-election.

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What they’re saying

“For years, legacy TV networks assumed that their late-night & daytime talk shows qualify as 'bona fide news' programs — even when motivated by purely partisan political purposes. Today, the F.C.C. reminded them of their obligation to provide all candidates with equal opportunities.”

— Brendan Carr, FCC Chairman

“CBS's refusal to air the interview was 'another troubling example of corporate capitulation in the face of this administration's broader campaign to censor and control speech.'”

— Anna Gomez, FCC Democratic Commissioner

What’s next

The judge in the case will decide on Tuesday whether or not to allow Walker Reed Quinn out on bail.

The takeaway

This case highlights growing concerns in the community about repeat offenders released on bail, raising questions about bail reform, public safety on SF streets, and if any special laws to govern autonomous vehicles in residential and commercial areas.