The political and entertainment worlds are buzzing with speculation after a cryptic video surfaced last week, suggesting that Stephen Colbert, the beloved host of The Late Show, may be eyeing a run for the U.S. Senate in his home state of South Carolina. The comedian, known for his razor-sharp satire and unrelenting jabs at former President Donald Trump, reportedly dropped hints of this audacious plan in a viral clip that has amassed nearly 1.7 million views on YouTube. With The Late Show facing cancellation by CBS in May 2026, following a controversial $16 million settlement between its parent company, Paramount Global, and Trump, many believe Colbert’s rumored political ambitions are a direct response to the former president’s gloating and ongoing influence. Could the Prince of Late-Night Comedy be trading his mic for a megaphone on Capitol Hill to take on Trump’s political machine? The rumors are tantalizing, but the truth remains elusive.

The spark for this wildfire of speculation came on July 17, when Colbert addressed the cancellation of The Late Show in a somber yet defiant monologue. “Before we start the show, I want to let you know something I found out just last night. Next year will be our last season,” he told his audience, his voice tinged with emotion. But it was a fleeting comment later in the segment that set the internet ablaze: “Who knows? Maybe I’ll give it a try,” he said, responding to a question about running for office. The clip, shared widely on TikTok with a sensational caption reading, “Stephen Colbert’s 3 secret plans will turn CBS into a joke,” fueled theories that the 61-year-old comedian was contemplating a leap into politics, specifically targeting South Carolina’s Senate seat held by Republican Lindsey Graham, a staunch Trump ally, in the 2026 midterms.

Colbert, a native of Charleston, South Carolina, has deep ties to the state, owning a home there and often referencing its culture in his comedy. The idea of him running against Graham, a polarizing figure known for his loyalty to Trump, has electrified fans and political observers alike. Social media platforms like X have exploded with hashtags such as #ColbertForSenate and #TrumpVsColbert, with users speculating that Colbert’s move is a calculated retaliation against Trump’s public celebration of his show’s demise. “I absolutely love that Colbert got fired,” Trump posted on Truth Social, calling him “untalented” and predicting similar fates for other late-night hosts like Jimmy Kimmel and Jimmy Fallon.

Colbert’s response was vintage: in a July 21 monologue, he quipped, “Cancel culture has gone too far,” before turning to an “Eloquence Cam” and delivering a bleeped-out “Go f— yourself” to Trump, drawing roars from his audience. This fiery retort, coupled with his hint at a political future, has led many to believe he’s serious about challenging Trump’s influence from a new platform – the Senate floor. “Imagine Colbert roasting Trump in congressional hearings,” one X user posted, while another wrote, “He’d turn C-SPAN into must-watch TV!”

The timing of the rumor is no coincidence. The cancellation of The Late Show, announced just days after Colbert criticized Paramount’s settlement with Trump over a 60 Minutes interview with Kamala Harris, has raised suspicions of political motives. Senators like Elizabeth Warren and Chris Murphy have questioned whether the decision was influenced by Trump’s administration, with Warren calling it potential “bribery in plain sight.” Colbert himself mocked the idea that the cancellation was purely financial, noting, “How could it be purely a financial decision if The Late Show is No. 1 in ratings?” With 2.42 million viewers in Q2 2025, outpacing competitors like Kimmel and Fallon, the show’s axing has fueled theories that Colbert’s outspoken criticism of Trump played a role.

This backdrop sets the stage for the Senate run rumors. A viral petition on MoveOn.org, urging Colbert to challenge Graham, has garnered thousands of signatures, with supporters arguing that his wit and platform could “flip the Senate” and “give Trump a conniption fit.” The petition highlights Colbert’s South Carolina roots and his ability to skewer political figures, suggesting he could transform the Senate into a stage for his anti-Trump crusade. “He’d be a ratings boon for C-SPAN,” one supporter quipped on Medium, envisioning Colbert delivering monologues from Capitol Hill.

But what evidence supports these rumors? Beyond the viral clip, fans point to Colbert’s history of flirting with politics. In 2012, he formed an exploratory committee for a mock presidential run in South Carolina, a satirical stunt that nonetheless showed his knack for political theater. His Colbert Report persona, a parody of conservative pundits, gave him a unique edge in critiquing figures like Trump, earning him credibility among progressives. A 2015 poll even showed him leading conventional candidates for a South Carolina Senate seat, suggesting he has genuine political appeal. Add to that his recent comments about drawing inspiration from Conan O’Brien’s career resilience post-cancellation, and some see a blueprint for a pivot to public office.

Social media amplifies the speculation. A July 29 X post claimed, “Stephen Colbert is rumored to be looking to run against Lindsey Graham for his Senate seat,” sparking thousands of retweets. Fans envision Colbert using his platform to rally Democrats in a red state, leveraging his name recognition and comedic charm to challenge Graham, whose seat is up in 2026. “Colbert could make Trump’s life hell from the Senate,” one Reddit user posted, while another called it “the ultimate middle finger to CBS and Trump.”

Yet, skepticism abounds. No major news outlet – from Bing to Yahoo – has confirmed Colbert’s intent to run, and his comment could be interpreted as a jest, in line with his comedic persona. Critics argue that a Senate campaign would be a drastic shift for a man who thrives in entertainment, not politics. “Colbert should stick to comedy,” David Bossie of Citizens United told Politico in 2015, a sentiment echoed by some today. Others note that South Carolina’s conservative leanings make it a tough battleground for a liberal like Colbert, despite his local roots. His wife, Evie, reportedly opposed a previous political stunt, which could deter a serious bid.

The Trump factor adds complexity. Colbert has been a vocal critic since 2015, when he hosted Trump on The Late Show and later vowed never to do so again, citing Trump’s disrespect for the presidency. His recent monologues, calling the Paramount settlement a “big fat bribe,” suggest a personal vendetta that a Senate run could amplify. Yet, some argue this is more about keeping his audience engaged than launching a campaign. “He’s milking the drama,” a New York Times columnist speculated.

Colbert’s supporters, however, see potential. His ability to connect with audiences, his progressive credentials, and his history of political activism – including testifying before Congress in 2010 on immigration – make him a plausible candidate. Fellow late-night hosts like Jon Stewart and John Oliver have rallied behind him, appearing on The Late Show to show solidarity post-cancellation, hinting at a broader network of influence he could tap.

Ultimately, the Senate run remains a rumor – tantalizing but unconfirmed. Colbert’s hint could be a masterstroke of publicity, keeping him relevant as his show nears its end, or a genuine signal of intent to confront Trump in a new arena. For now, the idea of Colbert swapping punchlines for policy debates is a dream for fans and a nightmare for Trump’s allies. As one X post put it, “Colbert in the Senate would be Trump’s worst fever dream.” Whether it’s comedy or ambition, the world is watching to see if this late-night icon takes the plunge.