During a rally in Pennsylvania, Donald Trump made an unusual comment calling for the return of Johnny Carson to host The Tonight Show. Seemingly unaware that Carson passed away in 2005, Trump lamented the state of late-night TV, specifically criticizing Jimmy Fallon’s current version of the show. He asked the crowd, “Where’s Johnny Carson?” and followed up with, “Bring back Johnny!” to express his frustration.
Carson, who retired in 1992 and handed the reins to Jay Leno, is often regarded as a late-night television legend. Trump’s remarks appeared nostalgic for an era when he was not frequently the target of late-night jokes, as he has been by hosts like Fallon, Jimmy Kimmel, Stephen Colbert, and Seth Meyers in recent years.
The comment has sparked amusement and confusion online, with many pointing out that Carson has been deceased for nearly two decades. Despite his outburst, Trump seems particularly displeased with Fallon, who was criticized in 2016 for his lighthearted interview with Trump, which included playfully messing up his hair.
While Trump’s comments might have been in jest or a longing for the past, they’ve certainly added to his list of unusual and headline-grabbing statements. If a Johnny Carson hologram were ever to be created, Trump would likely be the first to champion its debut on The Tonight Show.
