President Donald Trump criticized NBC late-night host Seth Meyers in a Truth Social post early Wednesday morning, promising to investigate the network’s decision to renew Meyers’ contract. The post, made around 1:56 a.m. local time on August 27, 2025, addressed what Trump referred to as a “sick rumor” about the renewal.
Trump described Meyers as lacking “Ratings, Talent, or Intelligence, and the Personality of an insecure child.” He questioned why NBC would extend “this dope’s contract,” asserting he would investigate the network’s choice.
The timing of Trump’s comments is notable as NBC announced Meyers’ contract extension in May 2024. NBCUniversal, NBC’s parent company, extended Meyers’ hosting contract for “Late Night with Seth Meyers” until 2028, aligning with the show’s 10th anniversary.
Meyers, who has hosted the show since 2014, frequently critiques Trump’s policies. Recently, he has addressed Trump’s tariff strategies, the management of the Kennedy Center, and the federalization of the Washington, D.C. police force. The show has around one million viewers weekly, behind CBS’s “The Late Show with Stephen Colbert,” which averaged two million viewers prior to its cancellation announcement.
This incident heightens Trump’s ongoing criticism of late-night hosts. In January 2025, before assuming office, Trump labeled Meyers a “moron” and “merely a slot filler for the Scum that runs Comcast.” He has also suggested that the network’s parent company should “pay a BIG price” for broadcasting Meyers’ show, calling it an “in-kind” contribution to the Democratic Party.
Trump recently celebrated the July 2025 cancellation of Colbert’s show. CBS announced that “The Late Show with Stephen Colbert” would conclude in May 2026 due to economic challenges in late-night television, unrelated to the show’s performance or content.
Trump predicted that other late-night hosts, such as Jimmy Kimmel and Jimmy Fallon, might face similar outcomes, labeling them as having “absolutely NO TALENT.” However, Fallon also extended his contract with NBC in 2024, securing “The Tonight Show” through 2028.
Industry data indicates declining ratings for late-night television, with a nine percent drop in viewership in the second quarter compared to the previous year, except for Fox News’ “Gutfeld!”, which averaged three million viewers. This trend has raised questions about the viability of traditional late-night formats.
Meyers has acknowledged concerns about the future of his show amid these industry shifts. In an interview on Dax Shepard’s “Armchair Expert” podcast, recorded before Colbert’s cancellation, Meyers expressed that his concerns have shifted from personal performance anxiety to external factors affecting the show’s viability.
Despite Trump’s criticism, Meyers continues to provide commentary on current events and politics. Recent episodes have included satirical takes on Trump’s meetings and policy announcements, maintaining the critical stance of his tenure. Meyers has also fostered a substantial social media presence, extending his show’s reach.
Trump’s investigation threat lacks specific details, and legal experts note that network programming decisions are typically outside the president’s direct jurisdiction. However, the administration could explore broader regulatory issues impacting media companies through agencies like the Federal Communications Commission.
