President Donald Trump — now serving a second term — lashed out at NBC’s Late Night host Seth Meyers. He derided Meyers as “a truly deranged lunatic,” accused him of having “no talent, no ratings … 100% ANTI-TRUMP,” and argued that his continued presence on television might even be “probably illegal.”
Trump also questioned why NBC extended Meyers’ contract, calling it a “sick rumor” and vowing to “definitely be finding out” why the network made that choice.
FCC Chairman Brendan Carr Shared the Post, Hinting at Possible Action
Shortly after the president’s remarks, Federal Communications Commission (FCC) Chairman Brendan Carr, a Trump appointee, amplified them by sharing Trump’s post on his own platform. Observers interpret this as a signal that the FCC may consider regulatory steps against NBC.
Carr has in recent months publicly warned that broadcasters must meet their “public interest” obligations. During a media interview, he suggested that the controversy around Meyers and other late-night hosts could lead to further FCC scrutiny — whether by reassessing licenses or challenging programming decisions.
Press-Freedom Concerns Mount Over Media Regulation
Critics of the president’s demand warn it raises serious First Amendment concerns. Several legal experts argue that using the threat of license revocation to punish unfavorable commentary amounts to coercive regulation of journalistic content.
Former FCC officials have also voiced alarm: they see Carr’s posture as a revival of contentious regulatory doctrines and a worrying precedent for government involvement in editorial choices.
Seth Meyers Responds, Defending Free Speech
Seth Meyers has not stayed silent. In his monologue following the controversy, he delivered a satirical but pointed response, reaffirming his commitment to humor, free expression, and holding power to account.
He noted the importance of a space in which critique and satire are allowed to flourish, even in the face of political pressure.
The Larger Regulatory and Political Implications
Trump’s call to remove Meyers follows his earlier demand that ABC and NBC lose their broadcast licenses over perceived bias.
Carr’s potential willingness to entertain such threats reflects a broader shift in the media ecosystem under this administration, where regulatory actions may increasingly intertwine with political objectives.
Some analysts worry this could chill not just entertainment programming, but more broadly discourage dissenting or critical voices across the media landscape.
Public and Political Reaction
The move has sparked widespread public debate. Lawmakers, civil-liberties advocates, and media organizations are watching closely, with many warning that threatening broadcasters for satirical commentary undermines press freedom.
At the same time, supporters of the president argue that licensed broadcasters must be held accountable if they stray from serving the “public interest” as defined by regulatory authorities.
What Happens Next?
Whether the FCC will formally act on Trump’s demand remains uncertain. Revoking a license is legally complex, and experts note that license renewal cycles, court challenges, and procedural safeguards make such moves difficult to execute.
Still, Carr’s previous remarks — that they are “not done yet” — suggest that regulatory pressure on NBC or its local stations may continue.
