Nearly three weeks after Donald Trump criticized Bill Maher on Valentine’s Day, accusing the comedian of wasting his time during a dinner at the White House, Maher responded with a detailed rebuttal. In the latest episode of his HBO show “Real Time,” Maher clarified his stance on Trump, asserting that he has both criticized and praised the former president.
Ending his “New Rules” segment, Maher emphasized that he does not suffer from what Trump terms “Trump Derangement Syndrome.” Instead, Maher humorously suggested that Trump might be experiencing “Bill Maher Derangement Syndrome,” noting the president’s ongoing social media commentary about him, particularly amid the escalating conflict with Iran.
Maher took issue with several claims made by Trump in his Truth Social posts concerning their dinner, stating that he did not request the meeting; rather, he was invited by mutual friend Kid Rock, who appeared on Maher’s podcast. He also clarified that he enjoyed the dinner, having consumed a drink beforehand and several more during the meal.
“I was having a good time,” Maher recounted. “So were you, Don, given that we were talking like real humans, not like that crazy act you put on in public, but I know that’s what you do. You are, if anything, a man who wears his heart on his sleeve.” He acknowledged Trump’s feelings about not being adequately recognized for his accomplishments, suggesting that he understood that sentiment well.
Following their dinner, Maher revealed that Trump texted him, expressing frustration that Maher still considered him part of the “lunatic left” and insisting that he deserved a Nobel Prize for his efforts to finish wars. Maher joked in reply, “Yeah, and I should have won 20 Emmys.”
Reflecting on their conversation, Maher noted, “We argued for a while, and [Trump] ended by saying, ‘Bill, you know what? Don’t change. I wouldn’t know what to do with you if you did OK.’ That’s the normal human being I saw the night we broke bread.” He added that he would not consider the dinner a waste of time, despite the name-calling that has ensued.
In his segment, Maher outlined several initiatives he believed Trump should be credited for, showing clips from his show where he expressed support for various policies. He mentioned, “despite all the hate I got from my side, I never threw [Trump] under the bus.” He acknowledged Trump’s efforts on border security and the removal of violent offenders, stating, “This represents what got Trump elected. We’re going to secure the gangs out.”
Maher also shared that he supported Trump’s military actions, such as bombing Iran’s nuclear facility and the operation to oust Nicolás Maduro from power in Venezuela. He highlighted other initiatives he found commendable, including animal rights, marijuana legalization, and the improvement of NATO funding.
However, Maher did not shy away from addressing what he perceives as Trump’s failures. He criticized the current approach of ICE, remarking, “Yeah, I’m glad you got rid of stone cold criminals, but no one wanted the sadism and stupidity that went along with it.” He labeled Elon Musk’s DOGE as “a complete disaster” and expressed concerns about Trump’s stance on coal and his relationships with autocratic leaders.
“Criminalizing dissent is wrong, and so is the juvenile trolling and suing people into silence,” Maher stated. He underscored the importance of holding Trump accountable for his actions, especially regarding election-denying rhetoric and preferential treatment for allies and family members. “We see how rich you’ve all become, but the people of West Virginia don’t seem to be feeling the winning,” Maher added.
In a previous Truth Social post on February 14, Trump had stated, “Sometimes in life you waste time!” referring to Maher and their dinner. Trump described Maher as “extremely nervous” and claimed he requested a vodka tonic to calm his nerves. He reflected on their meeting in a more positive light, stating, “We had a great dinner, it was quick, easy, and he seemed to be a nice guy.”
Trump later criticized Maher’s show for allegedly becoming “very boring” and “anti-Trump,” comparing him unfavorably to other late-night hosts. Maher addressed this sentiment briefly in his February 20 show, asserting that he never intended to conform to Trump’s expectations after their dinner.
As the political climate continues to evolve, Maher’s ongoing criticism and willingness to engage with Trump remain significant as they reflect broader public discourse. Maher’s approach raises questions about the balance of critique and acknowledgment in contemporary political commentary.
As discussions around Trump and Maher develop, audiences can expect further exchanges that will likely continue to provoke thought and debate. Viewers can share their views on Maher’s comments and the political landscape by commenting below.
