By John Q. Hosedrinker 
In a recent Truth Social post, Donald Trump attacked Seth Meyers, calling him a “deranged lunatic” and questioning the legality of his commentary. The post was in response to Meyers’ mocking of Trump’s comments on steam-powered catapults during a visit to Japan. This attack on Meyers is part of a pattern of Trump targeting late-night hosts, including previous criticisms of Stephen Colbert, Jimmy Fallon, and Jimmy Kimmel.
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Donald Trump Suggests Seth Meyers Mocking Him on ‘Late Night’ Is: “100% ANTI TRUMP, WHICH IS PROBABLY ILLEGAL!!!” is a statement that quickly cuts to the heart of a recurring theme: Trump’s sensitivity to criticism and his tendency to frame it as something more, potentially even illegal. It’s a phrase that encapsulates the former President’s relationship with the media and anyone who dares to challenge him, particularly through humor. The very idea that mocking the President on a late-night show could be construed as illegal highlights a profound misunderstanding of the First Amendment and the protections it offers to free speech.
The comment itself, loaded with exclamation points and the ambiguity of “probably illegal,” reveals a pattern. It showcases how Trump often conflates personal offense with legal wrongdoing. The reality is clear: being anti-Trump is not illegal. Criticizing a public figure, even satirically, is a cornerstone of American democracy. This is not the type of issue that’s open to debate.
Furthermore, the response underscores Trump’s apparent inability to accept criticism. While any person can be upset by personal attacks, the President of the United States, or a former one at any rate, should possess a thicker skin. The idea that a comedic takedown on a TV show could be perceived as a genuine threat worthy of legal action suggests a fragile ego and a lack of understanding of the role comedy plays in a free society. It’s a stark contrast to the leadership expected of the highest office in the land.
The use of the term “snowflake” to describe someone complaining about criticism is ironic, given the context. The statement itself sounds like it’s coming from a person who gets very easily hurt. This is not about the merits of comedy, or even the style of Seth Meyers; it’s about a fundamental clash between someone used to being in power and the basic freedoms that everyone else enjoys.
The core of the issue boils down to the question of power and control. Trump’s reaction isn’t just about Meyer’s jokes. It’s a signal. It’s about asserting dominance and reminding everyone of his influence, even if through a petulant outburst on social media. It’s an attempt to silence dissent by casting it in a negative light, as a possible crime.
Then, there’s the question of Trump’s own history. Many point out the hypocrisy, given the myriad instances where his own actions have skirted the edges of legality, or arguably, crossed them. This contrast only serves to highlight the perceived absurdity of his claim. He’s been accused, and in some cases, convicted of serious offenses. For him to suggest that a comedian’s jokes are “probably illegal” is almost comical itself.
This entire situation underlines a broader discussion: the role of comedy and satire in a democratic society. Late-night shows, like “Late Night with Seth Meyers,” provide a valuable platform for commentary, critique, and even dissent. To suggest that such commentary is illegal is to attack the very fabric of free expression. It’s also to miss the point of comedy: to poke fun, challenge, and sometimes, to hold those in power accountable.
This isn’t about Meyer’s style. Whether one finds his humor funny or not is irrelevant. It’s about the right to say it, the right to criticize, the right to mock, if that’s the chosen form of expression. It’s a defense of the First Amendment, plain and simple.
In the end, it is a reminder of the need to protect freedom of speech. If the most powerful people on the planet can’t handle a few jokes, then it’s a sign that their sensitivity might be a bigger problem than anything Seth Meyers is doing on his show. The incident, and the reaction, further cement the divide between those who value free speech, and those who would rather see it stifled.