Seth Meyers Criticizes Trump for Playing 'Ave Maria' After Supporter Fainted at Rally

The late night host says the president made the "worst choice" in music to play during the medical emergency.

Mar. 13, 2026 at 1:56pm

Got story updates? Submit your updates here. ›

During his "A Closer Look" segment, Seth Meyers criticized President Trump for playing "Ave Maria" after one of his supporters fainted at a rally this week. Meyers said the somber religious song is not the right choice when someone needs medical attention, as it makes people "think they're dying." The late night host also questioned why Trump's instinct was to play music at all instead of focusing on getting the person medical help.

Why it matters

Meyers' criticism highlights Trump's tendency to make questionable decisions and respond inappropriately in emergency situations, which has been a recurring theme during his presidency. The incident also speaks to the president's disconnect with the experiences and reactions of average Americans.

The details

At the rally, after a supporter fainted, Trump said "Want to play a song? You think the people backstage are listening to me? How about 'Ave Maria?'" Meyers said playing "Ave Maria" was the "worst choice" because it's a "foreboding religious music" that makes people "think they're dying." The late night host also questioned why Trump's first instinct was to "get some jams going" instead of focusing on getting the person medical attention.

  • The incident occurred at a Trump rally on Wednesday, March 11, 2026.

The players

Seth Meyers

The host of NBC's "Late Night with Seth Meyers" who criticized Trump's response to the medical emergency at his rally.

Donald Trump

The former president who requested "Ave Maria" be played after one of his supporters fainted at a rally.

Got photos? Submit your photos here. ›

What they’re saying

“You don't want to play foreboding religious music when someone needs medical attention. When a person hears 'Ave Maria,' they don't think everything's cool, they think they're dying! Did you also shine a white light in her face? 'Wake up, your dead mom and childhood dog are here!'”

— Seth Meyers, Late Night Host (The Wrap)

“Want to play a song? You think the people backstage are listening to me? How about 'Ave Maria?'”

— Donald Trump (The Wrap)

The takeaway

Trump's response to the medical emergency at his rally highlights his tendency to make questionable decisions and respond inappropriately in high-pressure situations, which has been a recurring issue during his presidency. Meyers' criticism underscores the president's disconnect with the experiences and reactions of average Americans.