Donald Trump 'endorses' 'Late Night With Stephen Colbert' on Times Square billboard

As the writers’ strike ended and late-night shows got back on the air with new episodes, one of the hosts' familiar and frequent targets — Donald Trump — was quick to voice his displeasure with their return, only to have Stephen Colbert use Trump’s words against him.

All four major network late-night shows returned Monday — with Last Week Tonight wWith John Oliver coming back the night before — after a five-month hiatus, thanks to the writers' strike. And they had plenty to discuss.

On Tuesday’s The Late Show With Stephen Colbert, the host reported that Trump had posted on his Truth social media platform at 1:05 a.m. early Tuesday morning about the return of late night:

“Now that the 'strike' is over, the talentless, low rated CREEPS of Late Night Television are back,” Trump wrote.

To which Colbert replied, “Thank you for watching sir. But I’m not surprised, he’s a 77-year-old white guy, of course he's watching CBS. But I do have a question: 'Low-rated creeps of late night,' how did he find out our original podcast title?” Which is in reference to Strike Force Five, featuring Colbert with Jimmy Fallon, Jimmy Kimmel, Seth Meyers and John Oliver, with proceeds benefiting their respective staffs during the strike.

Then Colbert continued on with what Trump had posted nearly an hour after his first message:

“Remember when I told you that the poorly rated and not at all funny Late Night Talk Shows are nothing less than a Major Campaign Contribution to the Radical Left Democrat Party. Watch what is going on - so interesting!”

Colbert seized the golden opportunity.

“I know you meant that as an insult, but that really sounds like the kind of rave review you wanna slap on a Times Square billboard,” he said. “So today we did that.”

Indeed he did. There it was in Times Square on a big billboard, with The Late Show logo, a picture of Colbert and a quote that reads:

“Watch what is going on - so interesting!” — Donald J. Trump

Colbert seemed very pleased with his bit, and hopes that it will find Trump well.

“Sir, thank you for the endorsement. I hope you get a chance to check out the billboard on the way to your next court appearance,” Colbert joked. “Or Bubba Gump Shrimp appearance.”

The Late Show With Stephen Colbert airs weeknights at 11:35 p.m. on CBS.