In a week dominated by political misadventures, late-night television hosts Seth Meyers and Jimmy Kimmel showcased their sharp wit, highlighting the ongoing discord within the Republican Party and the latest Trump controversies. As the midterm elections loom, both comedians offered their takes on the former president’s plummeting approval ratings and the bizarre antics of political figures like George Santos.
Meyers on Trump’s Declining Approval
On *Late Night with Seth Meyers*, the comedian tackled the troubling state of Donald Trump’s approval ratings, which have dipped to levels even lower than when he left office. Meyers pointed out that not only has Trump failed to acknowledge his 2020 election loss, but he also seems oblivious to the growing discontent among his supporters.
“Dude has changed so little he can’t even admit he lost in 2020,” Meyers quipped, noting that even among his core demographic of white working-class men, support is waning. He expressed disbelief at Senator Ted Cruz’s assertion that voters would overlook rising inflation and gas prices in favour of supporting military action in Iran. “Do you not have a dad?” Meyers retorted, underscoring the disconnect between politicians and everyday concerns.
The host also remarked on the failure of Trump’s controversial “slush fund for January 6 insurrectionists,” which has led to significant division within the party. Although this initiative was scrapped, Meyers highlighted the irony that Trump and his family still enjoy immunity from tax crimes. “It’s especially insane considering what we already know” about Trump’s minimal tax contributions, he stated, suggesting that despite owing over $100 million in back taxes, Trump simply chooses to ignore his financial obligations.
Kimmel Weighs in on LA Mayoral Drama
Over on *Jimmy Kimmel Live!*, the host focused on the upcoming LA mayoral primaries, where Karen Bass will face off against the infamous Spencer Pratt, a figure Kimmel dubbed a “former reality show villain.” Kimmel expressed disbelief at the political landscape, exclaiming, “This is insane,” and suggesting that Pratt would be better suited for “DJ-ing the worst New Year’s Eve party in Reno right now.”
In a twist of irony, Pratt is reportedly filming a reality show about his campaign, demonstrating a clear prioritisation of media presence over genuine political ambition. Kimmel didn’t stop there; he also turned his attention to the troubled figure of George Santos, whose sentence was commuted by Trump but who now faces allegations of insider trading. Santos’s misguided confidence led to a betting frenzy over his attendance at the State of the Union, which he ultimately skipped, allowing him to profit from betting against himself.
Kimmel quipped, “In his defence, lip-fillers are very expensive,” providing a light-hearted jab at the bizarre circumstances surrounding Santos’s political career.
Trump’s Boasts and Bizarre Claims
The antics continued as both hosts addressed Trump’s recent bragging about passing physical and cognitive tests. Kimmel dismissed the significance of these claims, suggesting that the assessments are merely “a test to find out if grandpa needs someone to wipe him.” His jabs didn’t end there—Kimmel also poked fun at Trump’s insistence on repainting the Lincoln Memorial reflecting pool, highlighting that it remains the same size as before. “I want to see him swim the length of that pool or even just the width,” Kimmel joked.
In an era where political satire continues to thrive, these late-night segments not only entertain but also serve as a critical lens through which audiences can view the absurdity of contemporary political figures and their policies.
Why it Matters
The commentary from Meyers and Kimmel goes beyond mere entertainment; it reflects a growing sense of disillusionment within the electorate towards traditional political figures and the absurdities of their actions. As the midterm elections approach, the shifting sentiments within the Republican Party and the public’s reaction to figures like Trump and Santos could significantly influence the political landscape. In a time when trust in leadership is wavering, late-night hosts play an essential role in shaping public discourse, holding leaders accountable while providing a much-needed dose of humour amidst the chaos.
