FCC Chair Echoes Trump’s Call for NBC to Fire Seth Meyers Immediately
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Federal Communications Commission (FCC) Chairman Brendan Carr recently shared a social media post by former President Donald Trump, where Trump demanded that NBC dismiss Seth Meyers, the host of “Late Night” instantly. Trump accused Meyers of suffering from an “incurable case of Trump Derangement Syndrome” and described his show as a “ratings disaster.” The controversial remarks made by Trump were promptly reposted by Carr without additional comment, thereby raising eyebrows in the media and public sphere.
This incident transpired on November 15 when Trump took to Truth Social to voice his discontent with Meyers and call for his immediate termination from NBC. Shortly after, Carr, who was appointed as the head of the FCC by Trump post the 2024 election, shared a screenshot of Trump’s remarks without further elaboration. This move by Carr reinforced his alignment with Trump’s stance, especially considering his previous support for the suspension of Jimmy Kimmel’s late-night show in September.
The suspension of Kimmel’s show came after the host’s contentious remarks regarding the assassination of Charlie Kirk, which drew backlash for misleading the American public on a significant issue. Carr, speaking on CNBC’s Squawk on the Street, emphasized the importance of broadcasters serving the public interest and raised concerns about misleading information being disseminated through television programs.
Trump’s critique of late-night hosts, including Jimmy Kimmel, Jimmy Fallon, and Stephen Colbert, pivoted towards Seth Meyers in early November. Meyers, who has been hosting “Late Night” since 2014, responded to Trump’s comments on air, refuting accusations of lacking talent and defending his content. Meyers’ steadfastness in the face of scrutiny aligns with his history of standing up against attempts to stifle free speech and manipulate media narratives.
In August, Trump also lambasted NBC’s decision to renew Meyers’ contract through 2028, further escalating tensions between the former president and the late-night host. Meyers, in turn, has consistently advocated for principles of democracy and condemned political violence, positioning himself as a resilient figure in the landscape of late-night television.
While Carr has not issued any additional statements regarding Trump’s demand for NBC to fire Meyers, his display of camaraderie with the former president through social media shares has sparked discussions about the intersection of politics and media oversight. As the FCC plays a crucial role in regulating broadcasting standards and ensuring public interest, Carr’s public alignment with Trump’s opinions raises questions about the boundaries of political influence in media governance.
The convergence of political dynamics and entertainment industry narratives underscores the complexities of free speech and media independence in a rapidly evolving digital landscape. As stakeholders navigate these intricate relationships, the enduring relevance of voices like Meyers, who champion journalistic integrity and creative expression, emerges as a testament to the resilience of media professionals in the face of external pressures.