As of July 22, 2025, rumors are swirling that President Donald Trump is planning a bold move to book himself as the sole guest on Stephen Colbert’s final “Late Show” episode, set to air in May 2026 following CBS’s recent cancellation announcement. This potential appearance, reportedly with Kid Rock as the special musical guest, could serve as a provocative capstone to Trump’s long-standing feud with Colbert, who has been one of his sharpest late-night critics. The timing aligns with Trump’s recent celebration of the show’s end on Truth Social, where he called Colbert’s talent “less than his ratings” and hinted at influencing the network’s decision. While no official confirmation exists, this move could be a calculated effort to reclaim the narrative, turning a platform that mocked him into a stage for his own narrative, especially as CBS’s parent company, Paramount, navigates a merger requiring Trump administration approval.

The idea of Trump and Kid Rock sharing the stage raises eyebrows, given their shared brash personas and mutual support during Trump’s political rise. Kid Rock, known for his patriotic anthems and vocal Trump backing, could perform hits like “American Bad Ass” to energize the audience, contrasting with Colbert’s usual satirical tone. This pairing might aim to overshadow the show’s legacy of political humor with a spectacle of loyalty and defiance, potentially alienating Colbert’s audience while appealing to Trump’s base. Critics might see it as a power play, leveraging the cancellation—possibly tied to the $16 million Paramount-Trump settlement—to dictate the final narrative, though the feasibility hinges on CBS agreeing to such a polarizing lineup amidst financial and political scrutiny.

Skepticism surrounds this plan, as Colbert has expressed reluctance to host Trump again, citing difficulty maintaining respect for the office given Trump’s demeanor. In a 2019 CNN interview, Colbert suggested it “wouldn’t be a good idea” for safety’s sake, hinting at the tension from their 2015 encounter where Trump outmaneuvered him. The public’s reaction on platforms like X could amplify this drama, with some viewing it as Trump flexing influence over media, while others see it as a desperate grab for attention. Without concrete evidence, this remains speculative, but the prospect of such a finale underscores the shifting dynamics of late-night TV and Trump’s ongoing cultural impact.