Trump demands Seth Meyers's firing; FCC chair amplifies message
What's the story
Late-night host Seth Meyers has been a consistent critic of US President Donald Trump, often making him the butt of his jokes. Recently, Meyers mocked Trump's declining popularity among Republicans and his recent statement about America's lack of skilled workers. This seems to have irked Trump, who took to Truth Social on Saturday (November 15) to demand NBC fire Meyers.
President's post
Trump's statement on Truth Social
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!"
Official endorsement
FCC chair reposts Trump's demand
Brendan Carr, chairperson of the Federal Communications Commission (FCC), an independent agency regulating radio, wire, TV, satellite, and cable across the country, reposted Trump's statement on X within an hour. This move drew immediate backlash. Lisa Macpherson from Public Knowledge told NPR that Carr's actions were "a distortion of the FCC's authorities in an effort to force the media to toe the line for President Trump."
Twitter Post
See Trump's post and Carr's repost here
— Brendan Carr (@BrendanCarrFCC) November 16, 2025
Controversial action
Carr's repost sparked criticism and debate
Carr's repost of Trump's demand has sparked a debate about the limits of FCC's power over content. The FCC's website states, "The limitations on the FCC's power to restrict or ban speech begin with the First Amendment to the US Constitution, which decrees that the federal government 'shall make no law ... abridging the freedom of speech, or of the press.'"
Past actions
Trump's history of targeting late-night hosts
Trump has a history of targeting late-night hosts, including Jimmy Kimmel and Stephen Colbert. After calling for Colbert's firing, CBS announced The Late Show with Stephen Colbert would end in May 2026, citing financial reasons for the decision. In August, Trump also slammed NBC's decision to extend Meyers's contract through 2028. "He has no Ratings, Talent, or Intelligence, and the Personality of an insecure child," he wrote on Truth Social at the time.