Stephen Colbert, host of CBS's "The Late Show," revealed that his network declined to air a pre-recorded interview with Texas Democratic Senate candidate James Talarico due to federal regulations mandating equal treatment for all candidates. The Federal Communications Commission (FCC) recently reinforced these rules, which could compel broadcasters to offer equivalent airtime to other contenders if one candidate is featured. Colbert criticized FCC Chairman Brendan Carr, alleging partisan motives and increased political pressure on media since Donald Trump's return to the White House. While CBS stated they presented legal risks and solutions, Talarico and Colbert published the interview online, with Talarico framing it as an interview Trump did not want seen, suggesting it indicates his campaign's potential to flip Texas.