Colbert Takes Aim at Trump's Declining State of the Union Ratings
In a sharp and humorous monologue on Thursday, Stephen Colbert, host of The Late Show, delivered some unwelcome news for President Donald Trump following this week's State of the Union address. Colbert highlighted that Trump, who has frequently emphasized the importance of ratings in his public statements, experienced an 11% drop in television viewership during this year's speech compared to his address to Congress in the previous year.
A Satirical Jab at Broadcast Television and CBS
Colbert quipped, "Donald Trump is really dragging down broadcast television. I mean, if I were CBS, I'd cancel him." This line drew loud cheers from the audience and served as a dual-purpose dig, subtly referencing his own employer's recent decision to cancel his show. CBS had announced the cancellation last year, citing it as a "purely a financial decision," a move that coincided with parent company Paramount's efforts to secure federal approval for a merger.
Colbert's Own Ratings Success Amid the Decline
However, not all ratings suffered. Colbert proudly noted that one set of numbers did not drop: his own. The live post-speech edition of The Late Show saw a 7% increase in viewership compared to the broadcast following last year's State of the Union address. Reflecting on this contrast, Colbert theorized, "You know what I think was going on? People may not like watching Trump, but they do like watching me not like watching Trump."
This commentary underscores the ongoing dynamic between political figures and media personalities, where public interest often shifts based on reactions and critiques. Colbert's monologue not only provided entertainment but also sparked discussions about viewership trends and the intersection of politics and television in today's media landscape.
