Stephen Colbert comes clean about potential presidential run

Stephen Colbert is currently hosting The Late Show With Stephen Colbert, which is due to go off-air in 2026.

During a recent appearance at Slate’s Political Gabfest event on December 18, the comedian and talk show host was therefore asked about his plans for the future, specifically a potential campaign to be the president of the United States.

“Absolutely, I should not run for president,” he quipped in response to questions by event hosts John Dickerson, Emily Bazelon, and David Plotz.

However, he admitted, “I understand why you’d want me to.”

“I’d have to discuss with my faith leader and my family to see if, once my service on the Late Show ends in May, if I could be of some greater service to this nation that I love so much,” added Colbert.

The 61-year-old comedy writer further shared a hug with Dickerson at the gathering, who had also stepped down as co-anchor of CBS Evening News that same day.

After embracing the 57-year-old former CBS anchor, Colbert turned to the crowd and held up his middle finger — a gesture aimed towards his network, according to PEOPLE.

CBS had cancelled the Late Show in July, soon after the network’s parent company Paramount signed off on a deal to acquire Skydance Media.

Stephen Colbert had said at the 2025 Emmys in September that he plans to “savor every day” of his late night gig before it concludes.