Seth Meyers Mocks President Trump’s Comments on Naval Catapult Technology

The President’s Focus on Military Technology

Meyers dedicated a significant portion of his A Closer Look segment to mocking President Trump’s recent comments regarding aircraft carrier catapult systems. According to NBC, the president spoke at the Pennsylvania Defense and Innovation Summit on July 15, where he expressed a preference for steam-powered catapults over newer electric and magnetic systems. Meyers noted that Trump’s remarks included a specific, unusual term for the technicians involved in the process.

“Is there actually a person with the job title catapulter, or did he just make that up?”

Seth Meyers, host of Late Night

As Mashable reported, this is not the first time the host has addressed the president’s fascination with naval hardware. Meyers recalled a 2025 instance when his coverage of Trump’s catapult commentary prompted the president to post on Truth Social, claiming that Meyers was the one obsessed with the technology. Despite the previous social media fallout, Meyers continued his critique, specifically targeting the president’s claim that when a little water touches the magnets, it doesn’t work anymore.

Cabinet Focus on Testosterone and Health

Beyond military hardware, Meyers pivoted to the priorities of the current administration, specifically highlighting concerns raised by Cabinet members. The host pointed to Health and Human Services Secretary Robert F. Kennedy Jr., who is 72, and his repeated public mentions regarding the sperm count of American males. Meyers also highlighted Secretary of War Pete Hegseth, noting an announcement that war fighters age 30 and older are going to be tested annually as part of their periodic health assessment.

Meyers juxtaposed these administrative focuses against a backdrop of national challenges he cited, including slowing job growth, rising costs for essential goods, and the ongoing conflict in Iran. As NBC documented, the host questioned the administration’s priorities, asking, Is this a meeting with the president, or are you a gym teacher subbing in for health class?

The Fox News Phone-In Controversy

Earlier in the week, Meyers addressed a separate incident involving President Trump’s appearance on Fox & Friends. The interview, intended as a tribute to the late South Carolina senator Lindsey Graham, quickly went off-track. According to thedailybeast.com, the 80-year-old president bypassed the tribute to discuss election fraud, voter IDs, and Trump Derangement Syndrome.

Footage played by Meyers showed Fox host Lawrence Jones attempting to redirect the conversation multiple times, to little effect. Meyers characterized the difficulty of managing the interview by comparing it to the experience of speaking with an elderly relative. Have you never been on the phone with an 80-year-old? Meyers asked. They have nowhere to be. They have nothing to do. This is how 80-year-olds cancel airline tickets without paying a fee.

As thewrap.com noted, the frustration was visible in the Fox control room, which eventually stopped displaying images of Senator Graham because the president had shifted the topic entirely. Meyers’ blunt advice to the network was simple: Just hang up on him! You’re not going to get him to stop.

Teleprompter Betting Allegations

The Late Night segment concluded with a report regarding a White House teleprompter operator, identified as Gabriel Perez, who was placed on unpaid leave. According to reporting cited by NBC, the individual is accused of earning approximately $100,000 on the prediction market site Kalshi by betting on the president’s remarks. Meyers’ cue card operator, Wally Feresten, appeared during the segment to joke about the incident, insisting that teleprompter operators are bad people.