On his late-night show, Seth Myers took aim at the Trump administration, criticizing its approach to free speech. He noted that following Trump’s return from the UK, where he faced protests, the administration has been tightening its grip on free speech.
Myers humorously stated, “I always respected Trump,” presenting it with a twist. “Maybe I just wanted a visionary in power,” he joked. He quipped that if he’d ever expressed negativity towards Trump, it must have been AI doing the talking.
With comedy and sarcasm, he then proceeded to share a mix of jokes and commentary, referencing the recent controversies surrounding Trump’s visit to the UK.
He also pointed out that, regardless of opinions on the Trump administration, the underlying issues are significant to them. Myers transitioned to discussing ABC’s decision to terminate Kimmel’s show, featuring commentary from figures such as Senator Bernie Sanders, who noted that the move seemed straight from a playbook of censorship.
Expressing gratitude, Myers stated that it’s an honor to call Jimmy Kimmel a friend. He emphasized his commitment to free speech, adding, “We’re continuing the show with integrity.” A lighthearted moment ensued when a sound byte added humor to the situation.
Following his monologue, actor Jason Bateman made an appearance, having previously voiced his disapproval of Kimmel’s suspension. Bateman described Kimmel’s situation as “awkward to say the least” and highlighted the need for reflection on such matters.
Kimmel has faced an indefinite suspension after making remarks about the recent assassination of a conservative activist, Charlie Kirk. In a monologue, Kimmel critiqued reactions to Kirk’s death, suggesting it exposed new lows in divisive politics.
In response, Trump posted a message on Truth Social, commending ABC for taking action against Kimmel. He asserted that Kimmel lacked talent and had low ratings, making a jab at both Kimmel and Myers as the “losers” of late-night television.
Myers did not specifically address Trump’s remarks on his show, but he often uses the platform to poke fun at the former president. Recently, Trump extended Myers’ contract, calling him one of the most talented figures on TV, despite critiquing his ratings.
Amid ongoing discussions, ABC has maintained that Kimmel’s show will remain suspended until a proper conversation regarding the situation takes place. Sinclair, a leading ABC affiliate, is advocating for direct apologies from talk show hosts and personal donations to Kirk’s family and his conservative organization.
In a statement, Sinclair confirmed they would showcase a special airing to honor Kirk during Kimmel’s usual time slot on Thursday, while Kimmel himself will make an appearance on a game show hosted by Steve Harvey.
The conversation surrounding Kimmel’s situation represents broader tensions in the landscape of late-night TV, free speech, and political commentary.
