A brief period of cordiality between Donald Trump and late-night host Bill Maher appears to have fractured following their latest interaction. Trump published a sprawling 1,300-word statement on Truth Social on Sunday, attacking Maher's character, television program, and professional conduct shortly after watching a broadcast of HBO's "Real Time With Bill Maher."
Trump labeled the comedian a "complete and total loser" and asserted that he would no longer welcome contact from the television host. The sharp public reprimand arrived only days after the two figures shared their second dinner together at the White House, marking a stark contrast to the aftermath of their initial sit-down.
Details Behind the Second White House Sit-Down
According to Trump's social media post, the dinner guest list extended beyond the host and the comedian, including sports commentator Stephen A. Smith and musician Kid Rock. While the gathering aimed to bring the personalities together, Trump characterized the evening as entirely unproductive.
Trump alleged that Maher had been drinking during a White House tour and referred to him as a "major pothead," claiming the comedian "looked like hell" during the visit. Furthermore, Trump pushed back on any perception of an extensive, warm gathering, stating the dinner lasted two hours or fewer rather than four, adding, "We have the timestamps. I learned nothing, and felt it was a waste of time."
Arrangements and Disputes Over Political Commentary
Trump pointed to Chuck LaBella, a business associate of Maher who previously served as a "gofer" on NBC's "The Apprentice," as the primary force pushing for the meetings alongside Kid Rock. Trump stated that LaBella reached out ten separate times before the second dinner was officially put on the calendar, noting his own initial reluctance to agree to the sit-down.
Beyond personal barbs, the lengthy post focused on political remarks Maher made on "Real Time" after the White House visit. Trump refuted the comedian's analysis regarding his political standing, citing internal party support numbers from CNN polling that placed him at 98% to 99% among Republicans. He also disputed topics regarding California voting, policy toward Iran, and rumors surrounding renovations to the press briefing room, clarifying that while he was considering relocating reporters, he never planned to install a pool in the facility.
Reactions to "Real Time" Guests and Future Ties
Trump took additional aim at the television show itself, calling "Real Time" a "low rated show" and expressing his view that HBO had lost its cultural relevance. He dismissed the prospect of ever appearing as a guest on the program, despite claiming Maher had long pursued an interview.
While Trump praised former White House press secretary Karoline Leavitt for handling her recent guest appearance on the program, he sharply criticized the line of questioning directed toward her. Concluding his remarks, Trump urged the host to turn off his "laugh machine," announced he would boycott the program moving forward, and advised fellow Republicans to halt their engagement with the comedian.
A Shift From Previous Engagements
The combative stance signals a dramatic shift from the dynamic observed earlier between the two men. Maher initially had dinner with Trump at the White House in late March 2025—an event also facilitated by Kid Rock—after which Maher publicly praised Trump on "Real Time" by describing him as both "gracious and measured."
With Trump now publicly instructing Maher not to call and declaring his intention to advise political allies against engaging with the broadcast, the exchange marks a firm end to their brief streak of direct communication. Neither Maher nor his representatives have issued a response regarding Trump's post or the disputed details of their White House meeting.
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Source: Variety
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