Donald Trump will not like this one bit. His biggest late-night rival Stephen Colbert just walked away from the 2025 Emmys with a major win and a long-standing ovation.
The fight between Trump and Colbert goes way back. When Colbert took over The Late Show in 2015, he made Trump the center of his jokes. Night after night, Colbert mocked his speeches, his scandals, and his thin skin. Trump hit back, once calling Colbert a “no-talent guy” who talks “filthy.” But the feud only made Colbert louder and more popular.
On Emmy night, the rivalry reached a new level. Colbert stepped on stage, and the crowd rose to its feet. The applause went on as cameras caught the room cheering for him. It was not just support for a comedian. It was a message to Trump.
Colbert knew how to use the moment. Smiling, he joked, “While I have your attention: is anyone hiring?” He then held up a resumé and an old headshot, poking fun at the fact that his show is shutting down in 2026. The room laughed, but the ovation lasted, showing just how much love Colbert still has in the industry.
Stephen Colbert gets a standing ovation at the Emmys
“While I have you, is anyone hiring?”
See the full winners list: https://t.co/bunHQVwB8b pic.twitter.com/J6kKyOLcW3
— DiscussingFilm (@DiscussingFilm) September 15, 2025
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The celebration did not stop there. Colbert later won the Emmy for Best Talk Series, beating out other top names. It was a huge moment for a host whose show is already counting down its final months.
CBS announced earlier this year that The Late Show will end in May 2026. The network blamed finances, but many believe politics had something to do with it.
Colbert’s clash with Trump and his network has been building. Earlier this year, Paramount, which owns CBS, settled a lawsuit with Trump over a 60 Minutes interview with Kamala Harris. Soon after, Colbert’s show was placed on the chopping block. To many, the timing was too convenient to ignore.
Even with the end in sight, Colbert’s Emmy win showed he still has the full support of his peers. The standing ovations made it clear that Hollywood sees him as more than a late night host. He has become a symbol of resistance against a president who cannot stand being laughed at.
For Trump, the loss of control over the moment must sting. He has always hated comedians who target him.
Featured image via YouTube screengrab
