Stephen Colbert humorously shuts down presidential speculation, reinforcing the boundaries between comedy and politics as he confirms he will not run for president in 2028.
Colbert’s Definitive Stand on Presidential Run
During Slate’s Political Gabfest on December 18, 2025, Stephen Colbert addressed speculation about a 2028 presidential run. He unequivocally stated, “Yeah, I absolutely should not run for president,” adding a satirical twist about consulting his family and faith leader.
This statement comes after CBS announced in May 2026 that it would cancel The Late Show with Stephen Colbert, fueling media buzz about his future.
Colbert’s history with political satire, including mock presidential campaigns in 2007 and 2012, has often blurred the lines between entertainment and politics. However, his recent statement makes it clear that his interests lie in comedy and content creation rather than political office. The panelists at the event, including John Dickerson and Emily Bazelon, echoed this sentiment, calling the idea of a Colbert presidency “miserable.”
The Context Behind Colbert’s Decision
Colbert’s decision not to pursue a political career is set against the backdrop of significant changes in the late-night television landscape. His show’s cancellation was attributed to financial considerations amid a merger between CBS/Paramount and Skydance, a merger that the FCC reportedly scrutinized under a Trump-friendly administration. Colbert has been a vocal critic of Donald Trump, and his departure from late-night TV marks the end of a 20-year era of influential satire.
Stephen Colbert reveals whether he’d run for president in 2028 https://t.co/AeLH4Ww6Fk pic.twitter.com/6wrroMadYC
— New York Post (@nypost) December 29, 2025
The timing of Colbert’s announcement, shortly after John Dickerson’s farewell from CBS Evening News, further emphasizes the shifting dynamics in media and entertainment. Despite speculation, Colbert’s comments have reinforced the distinction between comedic commentary and political engagement, underscoring his commitment to the former.
Implications for the Media Landscape
The short-term impact of Colbert’s announcement is a continuation of media speculation, but the long-term effects are more profound.
His exit from late-night television signifies a shift in the landscape of political satire, raising questions about the future of such programming. While Colbert plans to focus on non-political projects post-show, his departure leaves a gap in the late-night comedy scene, especially for audiences seeking critical perspectives on political matters.
As Colbert’s tenure comes to an end, the broader industry faces increased scrutiny over media and political relationships, particularly in the wake of corporate mergers and regulatory influences. The decision to cancel The Late Show is seen by some as a move influenced by Trump’s administration, further complicating the narrative surrounding media freedom and corporate interests.
Sources:
Stephen Colbert Reveals Whether He’d Run for President in 2028
Stephen Colbert Discusses 2028 Presidential Run
Stephen Colbert Shares Thoughts on 2028 Presidential Run
Consequence of Sound: Colbert’s 2028 Presidential Run Statement