Tell CBS: Stop Censoring Stephen Colbert

CBS just censored Stephen Colbert in order to appease the Trump administration.

Colbert planned to air an interview with Texas State Rep. James Talarico that included pointed criticism of Donald Trump and rising authoritarianism. But CBS attorneys stepped in and blocked the segment from airing.

Colbert himself didn’t mince words. “Let’s just call this what it is: Donald Trump’s administration wants to silence anyone who says anything bad about Trump on TV,” he said.

It's blatant corporate censorship for political purposes – and it’s unacceptable. Tell CBS: Stop censoring Stephen Colbert.

Late-night television has long been a space for political satire and accountability. Viewers expect sharp commentary. They expect difficult conversations. They expect comedians to challenge power — not be muzzled by corporate fear.

When attorneys block an interview because it is politically sensitive, it teaches every newsroom the same lesson: don’t push too hard. It tells hosts, producers, and journalists that certain lines cannot be crossed — especially when powerful politicians are involved.

At the same time, FCC Chair Brendan Carr has been publicly attacking media outlets over alleged “anti-Trump bias,” floating the possibility of federal scrutiny. When regulators signal punishment and corporations respond by pulling political criticism off the air, the chilling effect is real — whether the order is written down or not.

Add your name to our petition to demand that CBS stop censoring Stephen Colbert, air the full James Talarico interview, and stand up for free speech before corporate fear becomes the new normal.

The petition to CBS reads: “Stop censoring Stephen Colbert. Air the full Talarico interview and protect editorial independence from political intimidation.”