Stephen Colbert hilariously dodges Trump question after ‘The Late Show’ wins Emmy

Colbert joked with reporters after being asked whether Trump played a role in the CBS cancellation

Stephen Colbert found a memorable way to sidestep a question about Donald Trump after The Late Show With Stephen Colbert won Outstanding Variety Series at the 2026 Emmy Awards.

Following the September 14 ceremony, Colbert spoke with reporters about the emotional victory for the CBS programme, which ended its 11 year run in May. When asked whether he believed Trump was responsible for the show being cancelled, Colbert appeared to catch the question off guard before turning his attention to a nearby reporter and complimenting her dress.

When the original reporter pointed out that he had been asked a question, Colbert jokingly claimed he was unable to hear. After the reporter began repeating the question, Colbert interrupted with another joke, asking whether the question concerned the most important member of his staff and answering that it was himself.

The exchange came after an emotional night for Colbert and his former colleagues. The Late Show collected the Outstanding Variety Series award for its final season, with Colbert joined on stage by members of the team. The programme had already secured several Creative Arts Emmy wins before the main ceremony.

Trump had repeatedly criticised Colbert and other late night hosts during his political career, and he celebrated publicly after CBS announced the cancellation of The Late Show. CBS has maintained that ending the programme and retiring the franchise was a financial decision.

Rather than address the political question directly during the post Emmy exchange, Colbert kept the mood light. His response came as he prepared for another late night appearance, with Jimmy Kimmel Live! scheduled to welcome him on September 15 for his first late night appearance since The Late Show ended