When President Trump rails against electric catapults and Seth Meyers fires back with biting satire, it’s more than a clash of personalities—it’s a snapshot of America’s fractured dialogue. What does this cultural tug-of-war reveal about free speech, ridicule, and how Christians should respond?

During his recent trip to Asia, President Trump addressed military personnel on the aircraft carrier USS George Washington. Part of his remarks dealt with the difference between steam-driven catapults and electric ones on carriers. The president asked the service members which ones were better; they responded that the steam ones were better. President Trump agreed and proceeded to rail against electric catapults.

This exchange prompted a response from NBC’s Seth Meyers. He first joked that Trump “spends more time thinking about catapults than Wile E. Coyote.” He continued: “Next, they start complaining how our troops don’t tie themselves to rockets anymore.”

Then, imitating Trump, Meyers said: “We used to strap our soldiers to the rockets and they loved it, but then everything got woke and they said, ‘You can’t tie a person to a rocket.’ But we miss those days, and we’re bringing them back.”

Most people would recognize Meyers’ comments as satire. Whether someone finds the remarks funny is secondary; they were intended to be comedy. Satire, however, is comedy “with a bite.” Dictionary.com defines satire as “the use of irony, sarcasm, ridicule, or the like, to expose, denounce, or deride the folly or corruption of institutions, people, or social structures.”

President Trump clearly understands this; he does not take kindly to being ridiculed. In a post on Truth Social, he called Meyers “a deranged lunatic,” and continued: “Why does NBC waste its time and money on a guy like this?” He claimed that Meyers has “NO TALENT, NO RATINGS,” and is “100 [percent] ANTI-TRUMP, WHICH IS PROBABLY ILLEGAL.”

The point, however, is not about who is “right.” There are certainly pros and cons to both steam-powered and electric-powered catapults on aircraft carriers. It is just as certain that some of the administration’s policies are good, and some are not. The broader issue is the state of public discourse in American culture, and the appropriate—and inappropriate—ways for Christians to participate.

The First Amendment to the Constitution states in part that Congress “shall make no law…abridging the freedom of speech.”

Accordingly, it is hard to see how it could be illegal to disagree with the president, even 100 percent of the time. The broader question, however, pertains to the tone of “discussion” in contemporary American culture. To what extent should Christians participate in conduct and speech that ridicules others?

• “The mouths of the righteous utter wisdom, and their tongues speak what is just” (Psalm 37:30).
• “They [the wicked] sharpen their tongues like swords and aim cruel words like deadly arrows” (Psalm 64:3).
• “Whoever derides their neighbor has no sense, but the one who has understanding holds their tongue” (Proverbs 11:12).
• “Those who consider themselves religious and yet do not keep a tight rein on their tongues deceive themselves, and their religion is worthless” (James 1:26).

Unfortunately, this principle seems to have been lost in the political and social commentary of the day. Name-calling has replaced reasoned debate. Neither “side” is blameless. In 2016, Hillary Clinton famously referred to Trump supporters as “deplorables.” President Trump responded that Clinton should be “locked up.” President Biden was “Crooked Joe Biden.” Trump has been called a fascist and a threat to democracy. Satire, such as Seth Meyers’ recent comments, simply reflects the deeper division and bitterness in American culture.

Jesus called his followers to be salt and light in the world (Matthew 5:13-16). Disciples need to reflect God’s principles in both their speech and actions. We can show people that it is possible to disagree without hatred. Point out what is wrong without resorting to name-calling or belittling others. It is possible to say that Seth Meyers is not funny without calling him a “deranged lunatic.”

It is certainly possible to use humor appropriately to point out erroneous ideas. In his contest with the prophets of Baal on Mount Carmel, Elijah challenged his opponents to “shout louder!” He mocked them: “Surely he is a god! Perhaps he is deep in thought, or busy, or traveling. Maybe he is sleeping and must be awakened’ (1 Kings 18:27). The idea that Baal – their “god” – could be busy, or sleeping, was clearly mockery. Elijah’s mockery was not designed to elevate himself; he was elevating the true God of Israel. He did not call the prophets of Baal “stupid” (or “deranged lunatics”), even if he disagreed with them. He used humor to set the stage for God to demonstrate His power. Elijah shone the light, letting God take center stage.

That focus on God – allowing God to glorify Himself – sets the example for Christians today. Too often, it seems as though people are trying to show off their cleverness, rather than highlighting God’s greatness. If the focus is on defending oneself, it’s easy to lapse into anger and bitterness. Christians may feel at a disadvantage because late-night comedy is certainly not friendly to Christian faith. However, if the goal is to elevate God, as Jesus did, it’s easier—and vitally important—to keep self-interest in its proper place.

Christians of all people should support free speech – even speech that they don’t agree with – because restrictions on freedom cut both ways. If it is “illegal” to be 100 percent anti-Trump, then someday it might be illegal to be 100 percent pro-Christian.

The same First Amendment that protects freedom of speech also protects the free exercise of religion. But even more importantly, Jesus challenges his followers: “So in everything, do to others what you would have them do to you, for this sums up the Law and the Prophets” (Matthew 7:12). Instead of treating others like they treat us, we need to show “the most excellent way” (1 Corinthians 12:31) – the way of love.