Seth Meyers: Trump's COVID favor to Putin didn't put America first

A new book delivered a bombshell claim that Donald Trump sent Vladimir Putin COVID-19 tests during the pandemic. Late Night with Seth Meyers took a closer look at the story, slamming Trump for contradicting his "America first" policy.

According to author Bob Woodward, then-President Trump sent COVID-19 tests to Russian President Vladimir Putin during a time when Americans struggled to access test kits. Trump's team has denied many of Woodward's claims, but the ex-president's open fondness for Putin lends credibility to Woodward's reporting.

Seth Meyers opened up Wednesday night's episode of Late Night by using "A Closer Look" to discuss the story. The comedian framed the COVID-Putin story in terms of Trump's "America first" policies and comments.

Meyers reminded his audience how difficult it was for many Americans to get tested for COVID-19. Long lines at pharmacies and kit shortages only added to the collective anxiety. As Meyers put it, we were all losing our minds.

"But it turns out America First champion Donald Trump was secretly engaged in an endearing act of personal kindness for one young man who was afraid of the virus the entire time," Meyers said sarcastically before detailing reports Trump sent COVID testing machines to Putin for the Russian leader's personal use.

"Oh my god, [Trump's] going to have to change his campaign slogan to 'America .. But First," Meyers added. The late-night host also expressed disbelief at a transcript for a conversation between Trump and Putin in which the Russian leader appeared more worried about the political fallout than the American president.

Meyer's disbelief turned to borderline anger over a New York Times report that Trump sent Putin the tests on the same day he held a press conference and claimed that testing was "overrated." The comedian wondered aloud why Trump didn't tell Putin testing was overrated or that there wouldn't be any cases if no tests were administered.

"A Closer Look" ended with Meyers delivering a scathing takedown of Donald Trump:

""You don't have to think Trump is some sort of secret Kremlin agent, or that he colluded with Russia, or that he's being controlled by Putin. This story is not about that. The story is simple. When the chips are down and Trump has a choice between helping Americans and helping his wealthy, powerful friends, he's always going to turn to his wealthy powerful friends and say 'My only loyalty is to you.'""

- Seth Meyers

A month away from the election, it's unclear how Woodward's book will impact Trump's chances at another term in office. Meyers' opinion certainly isn't new, so the Late Night host isn't exactly holding his breath that this is the final nail in the coffin.