The world of late-night television is once again colliding with American politics, and this time, it’s David Letterman who’s stepping back into the ring.
Following a scathing online post from President Donald Trump, demanding that NBC “immediately fire” Seth Meyers, Letterman publicly defended the Late Night host during an appearance on The Barbara Gaines Show. The 77-year-old comedian said he was “never more proud” of Meyers’ sharp political commentary and humour, adding that Trump’s outrage only proves Meyers is “doing something right.”
“The President of the United States now wants to fire Seth Meyers,” Letterman said, laughing. “And I thought, ‘This is just delightful. How do you think that’s going to go?’”
Trump’s renewed attack on Meyers marks yet another chapter in the former president’s long-running feud with late-night comedians and one that stretches back over a decade and continues to shape the cultural divide between political power and entertainment media.
Trump’s Latest Outburst: NBC and Meyers in His Crosshairs
The latest clash began earlier this week when Trump posted a fiery message on his Truth Social platform, accusing Seth Meyers of suffering from “Trump Derangement Syndrome.” The president went on to label Late Night “a Ratings DISASTER,” adding:
“Aside from everything else, Meyers has no talent, and NBC should fire him, IMMEDIATELY!”
The post was reportedly amplified by FCC Chairman Brendan Carr, raising eyebrows about whether government officials should be weighing in on the editorial direction of entertainment programs.
NBC declined to comment on the President’s remarks, but ratings data from Nielsen show Late Night with Seth Meyers remains competitive within its 12:35 a.m. slot, especially among younger viewers and digital audiences on Peacock and YouTube.
| Show (Late Night Slot) | Average Weekly Viewers (2025) | Change vs. 2024 |
|---|---|---|
| Late Night with Seth Meyers | 1.05 million | +3% |
| Jimmy Kimmel Live! | 1.45 million | -2% |
| The Late Show with Stephen Colbert | 2.05 million | -1% |
Letterman’s Response: Humor and Warning
During his conversation with producer Barbara Gaines, Letterman pushed back at Trump’s comments, calling the president’s behaviour “a wonder of idiocy.” He praised Meyers for carrying forward the legacy of smart, politically aware comedy that defined his own career on The Late Show.
“That’s our old show, as a matter of fact,” Letterman noted. “He does a magical job.”
In a more sobering moment, Letterman added a cautionary note to Meyers, alluding to the 2018 killing of Saudi journalist Jamal Khashoggi. “But just remember, Seth, things happen,” he said. “You know what I’m saying?”
The remark, while partly tongue-in-cheek, highlighted the rising hostility public figures face in today’s polarised media climate, especially those who challenge authority through satire.
A History of Bad Blood: Trump vs. Late-Night Television
Trump’s feud with late-night hosts predates his presidency. It traces back to a 2011 White House Correspondents’ Dinner speech by comedian Seth Meyers, who roasted Trump over his political ambitions and reality TV fame.
Since taking office in 2016, Trump has frequently targeted hosts including Jimmy Kimmel, Stephen Colbert, and Jimmy Fallon. In September 2024, he reignited his criticism of Letterman, posting:
“Whatever happened to the very highly overrated David Letterman, whose ratings were never very good, either? He looks like hell, but at least he knew when to quit.”
Letterman didn’t hold back this time. On The Barbara Gaines Show, he denounced Trump as “a dictator” and described his leadership as “18 times the worst behaviour one has witnessed ever anywhere.”
| Notable Trump vs. Late-Night Moments | Year | Outcome |
|---|---|---|
| Seth Meyers mocks Trump at Correspondents’ Dinner | 2011 | Sparks decade-long feud |
| Trump calls Colbert “a no-talent guy with no class” | 2017 | Colbert ratings rise |
| Trump criticizes Fallon for apologizing for hair ruffle | 2018 | Fallon responds on-air |
| Trump calls Letterman “a loser” on Truth Social | 2024 | Letterman fires back |
| Trump demands NBC cancel Late Night | 2025 | Letterman defends Meyers |
Media Freedom and Political Power: The Bigger Picture
Letterman’s defence comes amid growing concerns over political interference in media and entertainment. While presidential criticism of comedians is not new, the tone and directness of Trump’s statements with combined with endorsement from a federal communications official, have raised alarms among free speech advocates.
Media analyst Rachel Stein, of the Columbia Journalism Review, says such attacks can have a chilling effect:
“When the highest office in the country publicly demands that a private network cancel a show, that crosses a line. It blurs the boundary between political critique and authoritarian pressure.”
The First Amendment protects satire and political commentary, even when directed at public officials. Legal experts agree that while Trump’s remarks are protected speech themselves, they also contribute to a climate where creative expression faces heightened scrutiny.
Why Late-Night Still Matters in U.S. Political Discourse?
Despite a shifting media landscape dominated by streaming and social platforms, late-night shows remain a key cultural space where politics, humor, and civic debate intersect.
Programs like Late Night with Seth Meyers and The Late Show with Stephen Colbert have evolved from entertainment into nightly forums for political accountability with especially during and after the Trump administration.
“Comedy is how many Americans process the news now,” says Dr Brian Ellsworth, a media historian at NYU. “When Trump lashes out at these hosts, he’s reacting to their influence. They shape narratives — often more effectively than traditional journalism.”
NBC’s Response and Seth Meyers’ Silence
NBC has not issued an official statement in response to Trump’s posts or Letterman’s comments. Meyers himself has remained silent on the matter, choosing instead to continue his show’s usual programming, which often includes sharp political satire and a recurring segment titled A Closer Look.
Internally, NBC sources say the network has “no plans to alter programming decisions based on political feedback.”
Cultural Impact: Comedy, Power, and Free Expression
Letterman’s public rebuke of Trump may be symbolic, but it underscores a deeper truth about the intersection of comedy and democracy. As the 2024 presidential election fallout continues to shape media narratives, the role of satire in public life remains both vital and vulnerable.
The veteran host’s words are half-comedic, half-cautionary and remind audiences that laughter can still be a form of resistance.
“It’s about holding up a mirror,” Letterman said. “Sometimes the reflection isn’t pretty, but it’s necessary.”
Conclusion
David Letterman’s spirited defence of Seth Meyers signals more than a celebrity feud withit’s a statement about the fragile balance between humour and authority. As Trump’s criticisms intensify and media outlets navigate political backlash, late-night television continues to serve as one of the few arenas where power can still be questioned, and laughter remains a form of truth-telling.
In 2025, the joke with the message behind it still matters.
FAQs
Trump accused Meyers of having “Trump Derangement Syndrome” and called for NBC to cancel his show immediately.
Letterman defended Meyers, praised his hosting skills, and mocked Trump’s outrage, calling it “delightful.”
As of now, Meyers has not publicly commented on the controversy.
No. NBC has not indicated any plans to cancel or modify the show.
Why does Trump often attack late-night hosts?
Trump has a long history of criticising comedians who mock or satirise him, viewing their segments as politically motivated.
