Trump Criticizes Bill Maher After Comedian’s Recent Remarks
President Donald Trump launched a criticism of comedian Bill Maher, labeling him a “complete and total loser” in a post on Truth Social. Trump advised Maher not to seek another meeting after previously hosting him twice at the White House.
The criticism followed Maher’s recount of his October 15 dinner with Trump on his show, Real Time With Bill Maher. During the episode, Maher defended his choice to meet with Trump while continuing to critique and joke about him.
Maher has encountered backlash for engaging with Trump, especially given their political differences. However, Maher argues that direct conversation with Trump is valuable. On his show, Maher stated, “I go and say face-to-face to the man the things you write in articles he’ll never read.” He also mentioned that he enjoyed the dinner experience.
Despite continuously criticizing Trump politically, Maher noted positive aspects of his personal interactions with Trump. Speaking to Trump’s former press secretary Karoline Leavitt, Maher highlighted Trump’s demeanor during their meetings: “He looks you in the eye, he never interrupts, he never gets mad, he listens.”
Trump praised Leavitt’s participation on Maher’s show, describing her performance as defending both herself and Trump effectively, though he accused the show of unfair treatment.
Maher’s monologue included jokes and criticisms targeting Trump. He ridiculed Trump’s approval ratings and recent comments about men’s physiques, quipping about his own experience at the White House: “Trump has the lowest approval rating of any midterm candidate ever.”
Maher shared that contentious subjects during their dinner included immigration enforcement, Afghanistan, the Supreme Court, and the 2020 presidential election.
“Bill: Don’t call anymore. It’s useless,” Trump stated on Sunday in response, labeling Maher a “hopeless guy” and a “coward” who was pandering to viewers.
Trump disputed Maher’s claims about the dinner duration, saying it lasted “two hours, maybe less.” Despite the disagreement, Trump described the meeting as positive, stating, “everybody was happy.”
The dinner guest list included musician Kid Rock and ESPN personality Stephen A. Smith, with Trump previously suggesting Maher’s private admiration exceeded public perception.
Maher contends that opponents of Trump should engage directly with the president. On his Club Random podcast, Maher remarked that critics should confront Trump directly about policy disagreements.
This latest conflict follows months after Maher received the Mark Twain Prize for American Humor. Even after relaying details of their meetings, Trump made clear he has no desire for future engagements.
“You’re not transformative, you’re a Loser!” Trump concluded.