Late Night host Seth Meyers delivered a scathing critique of former President Donald Trump on Wednesday, targeting Trump's apparent disappointment that Democrats did not offer enthusiastic applause during his lengthy State of the Union address. Meyers highlighted the irony of Trump expecting bipartisan praise while simultaneously advocating for controversial policies.
Trump's Reaction to Democratic Silence
During his monologue, Meyers referenced Trump's complaints about Democrats remaining seated during the speech. "Look, nobody stands up. These people are crazy! I'm telling you, they're crazy," Trump was shown saying as he gestured toward Democratic lawmakers. Meyers responded with a sharp impression, mocking Trump's tendency to make outlandish claims.
"These people are crazy! They said electric boat batteries cause shark attacks, they called Hannibal Lecter a wonderful man, they sent a hospital boat to Greenland for no re — oh, I real — those are all things I did," Meyers quipped, turning Trump's accusations back on himself.
State of the Union Reception and Poll Results
The comedian pointed out that Trump's State of the Union address, which set a record for length, ranked last in a CNN snap poll among speeches this century. Meyers questioned why Trump would anticipate Democrats "kissing the ring" after he had called for states to ban gender-affirming care for minors without parental consent, a move that drew significant criticism.
Trump's Attempt to Co-Opt Olympic Success
Meyers further criticized Trump for what he described as a desperate attempt to associate himself with victory. The host detailed how Trump visited with members of the U.S. men's hockey team after their Olympic gold medal win, trying on a medal and treating the athletes to McDonald's before some attended the State of the Union.
Trump had told the audience, "People are asking me, 'Please, please, please, Mr. President, we're winning too much. We can't take it anymore, we're not used to winning in our country.' I say, 'No, no, no. You're going to win again. You're going to win big. You're going to win bigger than ever.' And to prove that point, to prove that point, here with us tonight is a group of winners who just made the entire nation proud."
Meyers fired back emphatically, "Hey man, you're not winning. They're winning. You didn't win shit!" emphasizing the distinction between the athletes' achievements and Trump's political narrative.
Broader Commentary on Political Theater
The segment underscored Meyers' view of Trump's actions as part of a larger pattern of seeking validation and claiming unearned credit. By blending humor with pointed criticism, Meyers used his platform to dissect the former president's behavior during a high-profile political event.
Viewers can watch more of Meyers' Wednesday monologue on Late Night for additional insights and comedic takes on current events.
