Emmy's Get Political: Host Stephen Colbert To Mix Trump, TV Awards

Stephen Colbert has never shied away from politics, which makes Sunday's Primetime Emmy Awards no exception. Colbert, who is an outspoken opponent to President Donald Trump, is slated to host the 69th annual ceremony. The political commentator's hosting post increases the likelihood that Trump could be his primary target.

"The biggest TV star of this year is undoubtedly Donald Trump," Colbert told CBS News Friday, ahead of Sunday's show. "No one's close. You know, how like the Bible outsells every book of all time. Donald Trump is the Bible of the 2016-2017 television season. If you don't include Donald Trump as a TV star this year, you're lying."

Colbert bashed Trump at the Tony Awards in July. He targeted Trump while presenting the award for best revival of a musical, which was later awarded to "Hello, Dolly!" Colbert didn't call Trump out directly, but he hinted at his arrival into Washington D.C.

"It's been a great year for revivals in general, especially that one they revived down in Washington D.C.," Colbert said. "It started off-Broadway in the eighties, way off Broadway, over on Fifth Avenue. Hube production values, [but] a couple of problems. [The] main character is totally unbelievable and the hair and makeup: Yeesh!"

"It's supposed to have a four-year run, but reviews have not been kind. It could close early we don't know, we don't know. Best of luck to everyone involved," Colbert added.

Even if Trump's name doesn't slip Colbert's tongue, the president's presence won't be completely absent from the show. Alec Baldwin received a nomination for his portrayal of Trump on "Saturday Night Live," which many critics have argued his performance helped boost the show's viewership. The Emmy's, like the Oscars in February, could cause several recipients and presenters to voice their stance on Trump during their acceptance speeches.

Trump may not be the only subject tackled by Colbert at the Emmy's. Late night hosts, like Colbert, like to stay on top of trending news. Therefore, this could lead to the politicization of other newsworthy topics, including viewers boycotting the NFL and the negative feedback given to Jennifer Lawrence's latest box office bomb "mother!"

Colbert sitting in the hosting seat could also prove to be problematic for ratings. Although Colbert's ratings on "The Late Show" have proven to be high, it's not guaranteed to translate over to the Emmy's. The Emmy's ratings have continued to sink annually as more grow tired of awards shows, but Colbert's vocalization against Trump and his administration has caused some to announce their plans to boycott Sunday's show.

"Trump Supporters & anyone who respects our country — please do NOT watch this vile individual-already bragged how he will trash DT on Emmys," a user wrote in a tweet responding to Colbert.

"We don't care to watch people in Hollywood pat each other on the back and get a trophy," another commenter added. "Stick to acting no one wants your politics!"

The Primetime Emmy Awards will air live on CBS at 8 p.m. EDT. Viewers who don't have access to a television can live stream the show on CBS' All Access platform via a mobile device, Apple TV, Chromecast and Roku, among many other capable devices. Those without a subscription can obtain a free trial.