Donald Trump has once again targeted a late-night talk show host, following previous criticisms aimed at Jimmy Kimmel and Stephen Colbert.
On November 1, Trump posted on his social media platform, Truth Social, attacking NBC’s Seth Meyers. He called Meyers "the least talented person to have ever ‘performed’ live in the history of television."
Trump further stated Meyers "may be the WORST at performing, live or in any form." He added, "I watched his show the other night for the first time in years. In it, he talked unnecessarily about electric catapults on aircraft carriers, which I complain about because they are not as good as the much less expensive steam catapults."
The former president continued, describing Meyers as "a true deranged lunatic." Trump concluded his post by asking, "Why is NBC wasting their time and money on a guy like this?” He then added, "NO TALENT, NO AUDIENCE, 100% ANTI TRUMP, WHICH IS PROBABLY ILLEGAL!”
Meyers has not yet publicly responded to Trump’s online remarks. This incident is the latest in a series of social media posts by Trump targeting late-night hosts.
Earlier this year, ABC temporarily took Jimmy Kimmel Live! off the air. This followed comments Kimmel made regarding the untimely death of right-wing influencer Charlie Kirk.
Trump openly celebrated the temporary suspension. This move appeared politically motivated after Brendan Carr, who served as Federal Communications Commission (FCC) Chairman during the Trump administration, issued threats against ABC, Disney, and Kimmel.
On September 17, Trump wrote on Truth Social, "Great news for America: Jimmy Kimmel’s low-rated show has been CANCELLED." He added, "Congratulations to ABC for finally having the courage to do what needed to be done."
Trump then turned his attention to other late-night hosts, including Meyers and Jimmy Fallon.
In the same post, Trump commented, "Kimmel has no talent, and has worse ratings than even Colbert, if that’s possible." He also claimed, "That leaves Jimmy and Seth, two complete losers, on Fake News NBC. Their ratings are also horrible. Do it, NBC!”
An hour before Kimmel’s show was set to return on September 23, Trump again took to Truth Social to threaten ABC for reinstating the program.
"I can’t believe Fake News ABC gave Jimmy Kimmel his job back," Trump wrote. "The White House was informed by ABC that his show was canceled! Something happened between then and now because his audience DISAPPEARED and his ‘talent’ never existed."
He questioned why the network would bring back someone who "does so badly, is not funny, and jeopardizes the network by broadcasting 99% positive Democrat TRASH?"
Trump continued, "It’s another arm of the DNC, and as far as I’m concerned, that would constitute a major illegal campaign contribution. I think we are going to test ABC on this. Let’s see how we do. Last time I went against them, they gave me $16 million. This sounds even more lucrative. A real group of losers! May Jimmy Kimmel rot in his lousy ratings."
Despite Trump’s claims, Kimmel’s return to late-night on September 24 saw a significant audience increase. According to an ABC press release, 6.26 million viewers tuned in. This episode tripled its usual audience and marked the highest-rated regular episode in over 10 years, particularly strong in the 18-49 demographic.