President Donald Trump criticized liberal late-night host Seth Meyers in a Truth Social post on Saturday. The post was subsequently reshared by Federal Communications Commission (FCC) Chair Brendan Carr, drawing attention and sparking debate online.
Trump wrote, “NBC’s Seth Meyers is suffering from an incurable case of Trump Derangement Syndrome (TDS). He was viewed last night in an uncontrollable rage, likely due to the fact that his ‘show’ is a Ratings DISASTER. Aside from everything else, Meyers has no talent, and NBC should fire him, IMMEDIATELY!”
Brendan Carr reposted a screenshot of Trump’s Truth Social message on X (formerly Twitter) without any additional comment.
Meyers has targeted Trump on multiple issues this week, including the recently released Jeffrey Epstein emails, where Trump was mentioned thousands of times.
Controversy Over FCC Chair’s Resharing
Some progressives were displeased with Carr’s resharing of Trump’s post. Joe Jones, a Democrat from North Carolina, remarked on X, “So Trump lashes out at Seth Meyers and says NBC should fire him and Trump’s chairman of the FCC who regulates NBC reposts it. Because that’s how things work in North Korea.”
Former Michigan Representative Justin Amash, a critic of Trump who left the Republican Party, also weighed in, stating on X, “Abolish the FCC. The government shouldn’t be pressuring companies with respect to late night hosts, comedians, or anyone else for monologues, commentary, or jokes—whether their words are insightful, ignorant, funny, boring, politically neutral, or politically biased. We’re back to the FCC censoring comedians.”
Liberal writer Matthew Yglesias echoed similar concerns on X, criticizing Carr’s actions.
Carr’s Past Comments and Actions Concerning Late-Night Hosts
Earlier this year, Carr suggested there were “avenues” the FCC could explore against ABC and Disney following remarks by late-night host Jimmy Kimmel about the alleged assassin of conservative commentator Charlie Kirk. Carr described Kimmel’s comments as “some of the sickest conduct” and warned that the companies could either change their conduct or face FCC intervention.
Kimmel was briefly suspended by Disney in September but was later reinstated. He apologized if anyone felt he was making light of the situation. The host had faced backlash for implying the alleged attacker was a MAGA supporter.
Trump has also targeted Meyers in the past. In early November, he called him the “least talented person” and criticized NBC for wasting resources on him, further accusing Meyers of being “100% ANTI TRUMP, WHICH IS PROBABLY ILLEGAL!!!”
Reaction From Both Sides of the Aisle
Carr’s stance against Kimmel drew criticism not only from progressives but also some conservatives, including Senator Rand Paul (R-KY) and Senator Ted Cruz (R-TX).
The FCC and Seth Meyers’ representatives did not immediately respond to requests for comment.
Seth Meyers has hosted “Late Night” since 2014, regularly lampooning Trump and his administration, especially in his popular “Closer Look” segments.