Trump mocks Colbert with AI video after final 'Late Show' episode

In a move that has sparked considerable online reaction, former US President Donald Trump has released a video, seemingly generated by artificial intelligence, showing him forcefully discarding comedian Stephen Colbert into a trash bin. The clip, which was also shared by the official White House account with a dismissive "Bye-bye" caption, has been widely interpreted as a jab at Colbert following the final broadcast of his "Late Show."

Colbert, a prominent late-night host known for his sharp political commentary and frequent criticism of Trump, concluded his show on Thursday. Trump, who has a history of publicly feuding with Colbert, took to his social media platforms, including X and his own online platform, to share the AI-generated video. He further escalated his commentary by writing on his platform that "any passerby from the street would be better than this total idiot. Thank God he's finally gone!"

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Bye-bye

The timing of Trump's post, immediately after Colbert's final show, suggests a deliberate and perhaps retaliatory action. While the exact origin of the AI-generated sequences remains unclear, the White House's amplification of the video has drawn criticism from many users who view it as an inappropriate use of an official account. Industry insiders have speculated in the past that networks might have been hesitant to feature strong criticism of Trump, with some suggesting that financial considerations or a desire to avoid controversy may have influenced decisions regarding shows like Colbert's, though the network officially cited "purely financial reasons" for ending the show.

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You could get any passerby from the street and they would be better than this total idiot. Thank God he's finally gone!