CBS' shock announcement sparked speculation over whether there was a political motive for the program's cancellation.

But on this night, the real estate developer and reality TV star basked in Colbert’s apology. “Accepted,” he said with a grin. “Is there anybody you’d like to apologize to yourself?” Colbert added,

Even CNN’s Brian Stelter, no fan of Trump, said as much, writing: “The bottom has indeed been falling out of the late-night TV business model for several years now. Audience fragmentation and digital competition have led to a decline in ad revenue across the board. One insider described it as ‘cratering’ at CBS.”