Here’s a bold statement: even the most powerful figures can’t escape the spotlight of late-night comedy—and sometimes, they hit back hard. But here’s where it gets controversial: when does criticism cross the line into personal attacks? This week, late-night host Seth Meyers found himself in the crosshairs of former President Donald Trump, who took to Truth Social to label Meyers as “deranged” and “untalented.” The reason? Meyers had joked about Trump’s recent comments on the construction of aircraft carriers, a topic Trump seemingly can’t stop discussing. In a witty and measured response, Meyers addressed the attack during his NBC show, quipping, “You can call me untalented, you can call me deranged, but I’m not the one obsessing over catapults on aircraft carriers!”
Meyers didn’t stop there. He highlighted the irony of Trump’s criticism, pointing out that the former president himself is the one who repeatedly brings up the subject. “And this is the part most people miss,” Meyers added, “when someone’s ranting about you, the best response is often to ignore them. Chances are, they’ll just move on to the next target.”
This isn’t the first time Trump has gone after late-night hosts. Meyers joins a growing list of comedians, including Stephen Colbert and Jimmy Kimmel, who have faced Trump’s wrath. Here’s the controversial question: Is Trump’s criticism of these hosts a fair response to their jokes, or is it an attempt to silence voices that challenge him? Meyers has been vocal in defending his peers, speaking out against the cancellation of shows and suspensions of fellow comics. For instance, he denounced the settlement between Paramount and the Trump administration after CBS announced the end of The Late Show, and he defended Kimmel following his brief suspension over comments related to the shooting of conservative activist Charlie Kirk.
The tension between late-night comedy and political figures isn’t new, but it’s rarely this heated. Here’s another thought-provoking angle: Does comedy have a responsibility to tread carefully when mocking powerful figures, or is it a vital tool for holding them accountable? Meyers’ response to Trump isn’t just a clever retort—it’s a reminder of the role humor plays in public discourse. Whether you love it or hate it, one thing’s for sure: this feud isn’t ending anytime soon. What do you think? Is Trump’s criticism justified, or is he overreacting? Let’s hear your thoughts in the comments!
