Donald Trump was personally involved in the decision by CBS to cancel "The Late Show with Stephen Colbert," according to a longtime reporter who chronicled the era.

In an interview discussing his new book, "Late Shift," author and media critic Robert Thompson asserted that the network "capitulated" to pressure exerted by the then-president.

Thompson detailed that the decision to end "The Late Show" was not solely a business one, but rather a response to significant political pressure. He characterized the situation as CBS yielding to demands, implying a direct link between Trump's administration and the show's demise. Specifics of the alleged involvement or the nature of the pressure were not fully elaborated upon in the provided context.

This claim, if substantiated, would place "The Late Show" at the center of a political battle involving a sitting president and a major television network. The late-night landscape has often been a venue for political commentary and satire, but direct presidential intervention in the cancellation of a show is a rare and significant accusation.

Thompson’s book reportedly delves into the complex relationship between media and politics during that period. The author’s perspective suggests that the creative and business decisions of media outlets were, at times, heavily influenced by the political climate and the actions of those in power.

The alleged involvement of Trump raises questions about the independence of television programming and the potential for political figures to influence broadcast content through indirect or direct means. It also casts a new light on the business decisions made by CBS during that period.

Further details or evidence supporting Thompson's assertion would be necessary to fully assess the claim's veracity. The implications could extend to broader discussions about media freedom and the power dynamics between political figures and entertainment corporations.

Past instances have shown late-night hosts engaging in sharp political satire, often drawing criticism or praise from various political factions. However, allegations of a president personally intervening to cause the cancellation of a specific show represent a more extreme form of alleged influence.