David Letterman has publicly backed Seth Meyers after President Donald Trump targeted the Late Night host, demanding that NBC terminate his contract. During an appearance on “The Barbra Gaines Show,” produced by Letterman’s longtime collaborator, he expressed pride in Meyers, saying, “I’ve never been more proud of Seth Meyers.” Letterman reacted with bemusement to Trump’s demands, questioning the efficacy of such a call.
Letterman reminisced about his own time hosting Late Night, noting that Meyers has taken on the role exceptionally well, but cautioned him about the unpredictable nature of the entertainment industry. Meyers has previously faced Trump’s criticism, but recently brushed off the president’s comments, humorously stating that being on Trump’s “shit list” was a common experience shared with a list of other political figures.
Earlier in the month, Trump accused Meyers of suffering from “Trump Derangement Syndrome” and claimed he possessed “no talent.” This statement was amplified by Trump’s FCC chairman Brendan Carr, who had previously made threats against ABC leading to Jimmy Kimmel’s temporary show suspension.
Despite the backlash, it seems Trump’s outbursts have had little effect on Meyers’ show. Meyers acknowledged the president’s right to criticize him, stating, “That is his right, and on a lot of nights, he’s got a point.”
Letterman, a vocal critic of Trump, has consistently defended his peers in late night television. He condemned the overall fear of intimidation in the industry related to the Trump administration’s tactics, asserting that nobody should lose their job due to such pressures. After the cancellation of his own show—now hosted by Stephen Colbert—Letterman labeled CBS management as “gutless,” suggesting external pressures influenced their decision.
In a political landscape where late-night hosts often face pushback from political figures, Letterman’s support for Meyers highlights the solidarity among comedians in the face of criticism, emphasizing the importance of artistic freedom and resilience amidst adversity. This shows a hopeful outlook that late-night television will continue to be a platform for expressing dissent and humor, even under pressure.