Seth Meyers on the second Trump presidency: No one feels better, everyone's miserable

Late-night host discussed the bad state of the US economy and how the president is busy with other things.

Published 16 July 2026 309 words
CULTURE B1
Seth Meyers on the second Trump presidency: No one feels better, everyone's miserable

Seth Meyers talked about Donald Trump's weaknesses as president while the US economy is getting worse. On his show Late Night, the host first discussed how Trump reacted to the death of his friend Lindsey Graham. Meyers joked that Trump pretended to be empathetic but then guessed why Graham had died.

Trump said that some doctors told him a part of Graham's body 'literally blew up'. Meyers replied that these doctors probably weren't very good if they spoke like that. He also said the doctor sounded like a cartoon character and that people should be more respectful during sad times.

Meyers also showed a clip of Trump talking about many different things, even when a TV host tried to change the subject. Meyers said that if someone doesn't want to talk, you should just hang up the phone. He joked that Trump acts like an older person on the phone who has nothing else to do and will talk for a long time.

The host explained that while many Americans are facing problems, Trump is very focused on putting his name and face on money. Meyers called it a selfish act, but also joked that it would be the first time American money had a signature that was also used to draw rude pictures. He added that the coin looked like something from a scary story.

Meyers also mentioned a sickness going around, joking that RFK Jr. might call it 'discount Ozempic'. Trump is also working on making the White House look like a place for a TV show. Even though some people in his government say he is doing a better job than Joe Biden, Meyers pointed out that Trump's public opinion numbers are lower. He said that 'no one feels better, everyone's miserable'.

Vocabulary

weaknesses — The parts or qualities that are not strong or good.
economy — The system of how money, industry, and trade are organised in a country.
empathetic — Understanding and caring about other people's feelings.
respectful — Showing politeness and consideration for others.
distracted — Unable to concentrate because of worries or interest in other things.
focused — Giving all your attention to something.
selfish act — An action done to benefit oneself without considering others.
public opinion — The general beliefs or feelings of a large number of people about something.

Discussion Questions

  1. What did Seth Meyers say about Donald Trump's reaction to Lindsey Graham's death?
  2. Why does Seth Meyers say that Trump acts like an older person on the phone?
  3. What is one thing Seth Meyers said Trump is focused on, and why does Meyers call it a 'selfish act'?

Based on an article from The Guardian.

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