Stephen Colbert Addresses Speculation Regarding Potential 2028 Presidential Bid
New York, Thursday, 1 January 2026.
Despite initially stating he “absolutely should not run,” Stephen Colbert admitted he will consult his faith leader regarding a potential 2028 campaign after his Late Show tenure concludes in May 2026.
Nuanced Remarks at Political Gabfest
On December 18, 2025, during a live taping of Slate’s “Political Gabfest,” the 61-year-old host addressed the rumors directly [1][3]. While Colbert initially asserted that he “absolutely should not run for president,” he introduced a significant caveat regarding his future plans following the conclusion of his tenure on The Late Show in May 2026 [1][3]. He stated that he intends to discuss the matter with his family and faith leader to determine if he is called to “greater service to this nation,” a sentiment he grounded in his belief that America represents the “last best hope of mankind” [1]. This conditional openness marks a shift from a complete dismissal to a contemplative stance on public service [1].
Historical Precedent and Satirical Campaigns
Colbert’s engagement with presidential politics is not without precedent. In 2007, he launched a satirical campaign for the presidency as a Democrat, utilizing his persona from The Colbert Report to comment on the political process [1]. Although he paid the $2,500 filing fee for the South Carolina Democratic primary, his application was ultimately rejected by the state’s Democratic executive council, who deemed he was not a serious candidate [1]. He revisited the concept in 2012, running as the “President of the United States of South Carolina” and holding a rally at the College of Charleston attended by approximately 7,000 supporters [2].
Political Friction and Media Landscape
The renewed speculation has already elicited a sharp response from the political sphere. On December 24, 2025, former President Donald Trump criticized Colbert on Truth Social, describing him as a “pathetic trainwreck” and suggesting that CBS should cancel his program immediately rather than waiting for its scheduled conclusion [3]. This exchange highlights the contentious relationship between the host and conservative figures, further evidenced by a Media Research Center study released on December 23, 2025, which found that 92% of late-night jokes targeted conservatives [3]. Despite this friction, Colbert remains a dominant figure in late-night television; for the week of December 14 to 20, 2025, The Late Show averaged 2.34 million viewers, leading Jimmy Kimmel Live! by 9,000 viewers [3]. However, the landscape is competitive, with Kimmel leading the key 18-49 demographic by 252,000 viewers during the same period [3].
Timeline for Decision
The timeline for any potential political transition is dictated by Colbert’s current contractual obligations. CBS announced in July that The Late Show would air its final episode in May 2026 [1]. This departure date aligns with the early stages of the 2028 election cycle, theoretically providing the host with the necessary window to organize a campaign should he choose to pursue it [1][4]. While fellow panelists John Dickerson and Emily Bazelon agreed with Colbert’s initial assessment that a presidential run would be “miserable,” the host’s invocation of the Founding Fathers and the “rights of man” suggests a philosophical engagement with the idea that extends beyond his previous satirical endeavors [1].