David Letterman Defends Seth Meyers, Slams Trump as “Our Dictator” and “A Wonder of Idiocy”
David Letterman has publicly defended Seth Meyers after President Donald Trump called for the late-night host to be fired.
The dispute comes after Meyers roasted Trump in a recent monologue on “Late Night With Seth Meyers.” Trump criticized Meyers on Truth Social, calling him “suffering from an incurable case of Trump Derangement Syndrome” and claiming the show is a “Ratings DISASTER.” He added, according to a repost by FCC chair Brendan Carr, that Meyers “has no talent” and should be fired immediately.
Letterman, who hosted NBC’s “Late Night” from 1982 to 1993 and CBS’ “The Late Show” until 2015, spoke out on “The Barbara Gaines Show.” “I’ve never been more proud of Seth Meyers,” he said. “That’s our old show, as a matter of fact. Yeah, we used to do that show, and he does a magical job.”
During the conversation, Letterman also referenced Trump’s handling of international events, such as the killing of journalist Jamal Khashoggi in 2018, noting, “But just remember Seth, things happen. You know what I’m saying?” He later criticized the president’s administration, calling it “just a wonder of idiocy” and labeling Trump as “our dictator” who is “not going anywhere.” Letterman added, “It’s like 18 times the worst behavior one has witnessed ever anywhere. Think of the worst thing that you’ve ever seen humans accomplish. This is so much worse.”
Meyers is the latest late-night host to face Trump’s criticism, following attacks on Jimmy Kimmel and Stephen Colbert. Kimmel’s show was briefly suspended in September after comments about the killing of Charlie Kirk, though it returned a week later. Colbert’s “The Late Show” is set to end in May 2026, with CBS emphasizing that the decision is financial, not political.
Letterman’s defense highlights the camaraderie and mutual respect among late-night hosts while also drawing attention to Trump’s ongoing critiques of the genre. His blunt words reflect frustration with the president’s rhetoric and the continued attacks on comedians.