Key Highlights
- President Donald Trump called for NBC’s Seth Meyers to be fired on social media.
- The Federal Communications Commission (FCC) chair, Brendan Carr, amplified the message by reposting it on X.
- Critics argue that such actions violate principles of free speech and the FCC’s authority.
- Trump’s move is seen as part of a broader trend of targeting late-night hosts critical of his administration.
Context and Background
President Donald Trump, known for his confrontational approach to media criticism, has once again targeted NBC’s Seth Meyers. On November 15, 2025, President Trump posted a scathing message on Truth Social, a platform he heavily utilizes:
“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!”
The post quickly gained traction, with President Trump’s supporters and detractors alike sharing their reactions on social media.
FCC Chair’s Involvement
Less than an hour after the initial tweet, Brendan Carr, the chairperson of the Federal Communications Commission (FCC), joined in by reposting the message on X. The FCC, while having limited direct authority over content, plays a significant role in regulating broadcasting and media.
“@realDonaldTrump’s comments reflect a misunderstanding of the FCC’s authorities,” Carr wrote on X. “The government shouldn’t be pressuring companies with respect to late night hosts, comedians, or anyone else for monologues, ary, or jokes—whether their words are insightful, ignorant, funny, boring, politically neutral, or politically biased.”
Carr’s intervention drew swift criticism from both consumer advocacy groups and free speech advocates. Lisa Macpherson, the policy director at Public Knowledge, stated:
“Brendan Carr’s intervention is a distortion of the FCC’s authorities in an effort to force the media to toe the line for President Trump.”
Implications and Broader Context
The timing of this incident coincides with ongoing debates over free speech and government influence on media. Critics argue that such actions by high-ranking officials can lead to a chilling effect on journalism, potentially stifling critical voices.
“The government shouldn’t be pressuring companies with respect to late night hosts, comedians, or anyone else for monologues, ary, or jokes—whether their words are insightful, ignorant, funny, boring, politically neutral, or politically biased,” wrote former congressman and free speech advocate Justin Amash on X.
Furthermore, this incident comes in the context of broader efforts by the Trump administration to target media outlets critical of his policies. In recent months, there have been multiple instances where late-night hosts like Stephen Colbert and Jimmy Kimmel faced public rebukes from the president for their satirical takes on his administration.
Conclusion
The events surrounding President Trump’s call for Seth Meyers’ firing and the FCC chair’s subsequent involvement highlight the ongoing tension between free speech, government authority, and media criticism. As debates continue over the role of public officials in regulating content, this incident serves as a reminder of the delicate balance required to protect both free expression and responsible journalism.
