Former President Donald Trump took to Twitter in the dead of night to unleash a flurry of angry tweets targeting late-night talk show hosts who have frequently poked fun at him since his departure from the White House.
At approximately 2:30 a.m. on Wednesday, Trump began his Twitter rampage with a tweet that read, “Can you believe these so-called ‘comedians’? Late-night ‘jokes’ about me are not funny at all, just sad. Sad! They should be ashamed of themselves.”
This tweet set off a chain reaction of messages, totaling more than a dozen, where Trump continued to vent his frustration over being the butt of late-night humor.
Trump’s outburst comes on the heels of recent sketches and monologues that have lampooned him for various issues, including his handling of the COVID-19 pandemic, his ongoing legal troubles, and his involvement in the 2020 election.
While late-night comedians have a long history of satirizing political figures, Trump’s reaction was notably vehement and personal.
Late-night host Stephen Colbert, whose “The Late Show” has frequently targeted Trump, responded with humor to the former president’s Twitter tirade. Colbert tweeted, “Wow, I’ve never seen someone so dedicated to watching my show! Thanks for the ratings boost, Donald! #NightlyTrumpTweets.”
Colbert’s tongue-in-cheek response garnered significant attention on social media, with many users applauding his ability to take the criticism in stride.
Jimmy Kimmel, host of “Jimmy Kimmel Live,” also chimed in, tweeting, “Looks like someone needs a bedtime story. Maybe ‘The Art of Taking a Joke’?” Kimmel’s comment further fueled the online conversation surrounding Trump’s late-night venting session.
Seth Meyers, host of “Late Night with Seth Meyers,” shared a video on his show in which he lightheartedly responded to Trump’s tweets. “I guess he couldn’t sleep, folks,” Meyers quipped, before launching into a segment about Trump’s late-night escapade.
While late-night comedians are no strangers to political satire, Trump’s reaction has raised questions about the former president’s temperament and his ongoing preoccupation with media coverage.
Throughout his presidency, Trump was known for his active presence on Twitter, often using the platform to communicate directly with his supporters and to express his views on various issues.
Trump’s late-night Twitter tirade underscores the continuing influence of late-night comedy in shaping public opinion and political discourse.
Comedians like Colbert, Kimmel, and Meyers have built substantial audiences by offering humorous and critical commentary on current events, often holding public figures accountable for their actions.
Trump’s reaction, while unexpected, highlights the enduring impact of late-night talk shows in the American cultural and political landscape.
As of now, it remains to be seen whether Trump’s late-night Twitter outburst will lead to any significant policy changes or actions.
However, one thing is clear: late-night comedians will likely continue to provide their unique brand of political satire, regardless of who occupies the White House, ensuring that laughter remains a key element of the American political discourse.
