Bad Trump-Adjacent Weirdos Delights Meyers
\Late-night television has become a popular platform for political commentary and satire. One of the most notable hosts in this genre is Seth Meyers, who has gained a reputation for his sharp criticism of the Trump administration and its supporters. In particular, Meyers has taken aim at what he calls “bad Trump-adjacent weirdos,” a group of individuals who have been associated with former President Donald Trump in some way, whether through their work in his administration or their support of his policies [3].
The Rise of Trump-Adjacent Weirdos
The term “Trump-adjacent weirdos” has gained popularity in recent years as a way to describe individuals who are not necessarily part of the Trump administration but are closely aligned with the former president and his policies. These individuals, who range from conspiracy theorists to far-right extremists, have become a frequent target of Meyers’ monologues and segments [5].
One of the most notable examples of this phenomenon is the QAnon conspiracy theory, which posits that Trump is secretly fighting a global cabal of pedophiles and Satanists. While the theory has been widely debunked, it has gained a significant following among some Trump supporters, including members of Congress [5].
Another example is Mike Lindell, the CEO of MyPillow and a vocal supporter of Trump. Lindell has been a frequent guest on conservative media outlets, where he has promoted baseless claims of election fraud and pushed unproven treatments for COVID-19 [1]. Recently, Lindell was caught on camera receiving news that a defamation suit had been filed against him over his election fraud claims. Meyers gleefully played the clip on his show, joking that it was “like watching someone get hit by lightning twice” [1].
The Delightful Downfall of Trump-Adjacent Weirdos
For Meyers and other late-night hosts, the downfall of Trump-adjacent weirdos is a source of endless delight. From the numerous legal troubles faced by Trump’s inner circle to the implosion of QAnon, Meyers has had plenty of material to work with in recent years.
One of the most satisfying moments for Meyers came in the aftermath of the 2020 election. As Trump and his supporters continued to push baseless claims of election fraud, Meyers and other late-night hosts were quick to call out their lies. When Joe Biden was declared the winner, Meyers celebrated the victory on his show, saying that it was “like getting a text from an ex saying they’re doing great” [3].
The Importance of Satire in Politics
While Meyers’ jokes may seem like harmless fun, they serve an important purpose in the political landscape. Satire has long been used as a tool to critique those in power and hold them accountable for their actions. By poking fun at Trump-adjacent weirdos, Meyers and other late-night hosts are shining a light on their dangerous beliefs and actions.
In a time when political discourse is increasingly polarized and divisive, satire can serve as a unifying force. By finding humor in our shared experiences, we can come together and find common ground. As Meyers himself has said, “We need to be able to laugh at ourselves and each other, because that’s how we get through tough times” [4].
Conclusion
Seth Meyers’ delight in the downfall of Trump-adjacent weirdos is a reflection of the broader cultural shift away from Trumpism and towards a more inclusive and tolerant society. While there is still much work to be done, Meyers’ brand of political satire serves as a reminder that we can find humor even in the darkest of times.
