Seth Meyers recently mocked Donald Trump's lavish praise of Xi Jinping, joking that not even Chinese citizens gush this much about their leader. The late-night host's segment highlighted the absurdity of Trump's compliments during the Chinese president's visit, adding a comedic twist to the political spectacle.
Seth Meyers Takes on Trump's Praise for Xi Jinping
On Late Night with Seth Meyers, the host didn't hold back when discussing Trump's over-the-top admiration for Xi Jinping. Trump had called Xi a "fierce person," "strong, smart, tough," and even "a piece of granite … an amazing man." Meyers quipped, "Not even Chinese citizens gush this much about Xi," pointing out that the Chinese government had to crack down on social media posts comparing Xi to Winnie the Pooh. The contrast between Trump's granite metaphor and the cartoon bear comparison had the audience in stitches.
The Winnie the Pooh Connection
Meyers noted the irony: "Trump thinks Xi is a piece of granite, and meanwhile Xi's own citizens think he's a cartoon bear – news that is going to make Trump so sad he will continue to have Eeyore's posture." This joke underscored the disconnect between Trump's perception and the reality of Xi's public image in China, where censorship prevents such comparisons.
Trump's Excuses for China's Behavior
Meyers also highlighted Trump's willingness to excuse China's actions, particularly regarding spying. Trump told Fox News's Laura Ingraham, "People say, oh, he spies on us. Well, we spy on him, too." Meyers retorted, "Now, this might be an old-fashioned take on things, but I think when you're spying on someone, you're not supposed to tell them that. That's why The Americans lasted six years, and not 10 minutes." The host's wit cut through the political rhetoric, exposing the absurdity of Trump's candid admission.
Republican Backlash
Trump's friendly relations with Xi have drawn condemnation from members of his own party. Senator Roger Wicker, a Republican, criticized Trump's approach, reflecting broader concerns within the GOP about Trump's cozying up to authoritarian leaders. Meyers used this to poke fun at the political divide, suggesting that even Trump's allies are uneasy with his admiration for Xi.
Key Takeaways from Seth Meyers' Segment
- Trump's excessive praise: Meyers mocked Trump's over-the-top compliments for Xi, calling them unprecedented.
- Winnie the Pooh comparison: The host highlighted the Chinese government's censorship of Xi's cartoon likeness.
- Spying admission: Trump's comment about mutual spying was ridiculed for its lack of discretion.
- Republican criticism: Members of Trump's own party have voiced concerns over his friendly stance toward Xi.
Comparing Late-Night Reactions
Late-night hosts often provide a comedic lens on political events. Here's how Seth Meyers' take compares to other hosts' styles:
| Host | Style | Focus |
|---|---|---|
| Seth Meyers | Witty, sarcastic | Political absurdity |
| Stephen Colbert | Satirical, character-driven | Conservative hypocrisy |
| Jimmy Kimmel | Humorous, relatable | Everyday politics |
FAQ
What did Seth Meyers say about Trump's praise of Xi Jinping?
Meyers joked that not even Chinese citizens gush this much about Xi, and mocked Trump's description of Xi as a "piece of granite."
Why did Meyers mention Winnie the Pooh?
He referenced the Chinese government's crackdown on social media posts comparing Xi to Winnie the Pooh, contrasting it with Trump's admiration.
How did Republicans react to Trump's relationship with Xi?
Some Republicans, like Senator Roger Wicker, condemned Trump's friendly relations with Xi, reflecting internal party concerns.