Trump Laments ‘Waste of Time’ Getting to Know Bill Maher After White House Dinner
- President Donald Trump used Valentine’s Day as an opportunity to publicly denounce comedian Bill Maher, describing a White House dinner the two shared last year as a “total...
- According to Trump, Maher requested the dinner through a mutual friend, and the former president agreed.
- The initial encounter appeared to leave a positive impression on both men.
Trump ‘Breaks Up’ With Bill Maher, Details Awkward White House Dinner
President Donald Trump used Valentine’s Day as an opportunity to publicly denounce comedian Bill Maher, describing a White House dinner the two shared last year as a “total waste of time.” The outburst, delivered via a lengthy post on Truth Social, offered a surprisingly detailed and at times peculiar account of the meeting.
According to Trump, Maher requested the dinner through a mutual friend, and the former president agreed. He described Maher as appearing “extremely nervous” and lacking “ZERO confidence” upon entering the Oval Office. Trump claimed Maher immediately asked for a “Vodka Tonic” to calm his nerves, stating, “I’ve never felt like this before, I’m actually scared.” Trump conceded this display was “somewhat endearing.”
The initial encounter appeared to leave a positive impression on both men. Following the dinner, Maher reportedly told his HBO audience that Trump was “gracious and measured.” However, Trump’s post suggests that goodwill evaporated as Maher resumed his critical commentary on Trump’s public statements.
The latest catalyst for Trump’s ire appears to be Maher’s reaction to a recent Truth Social post where Trump discussed a potential trade deal involving Canada and China, jokingly suggesting China might eliminate ice hockey in Canada and the Stanley Cup. Maher, according to Trump, expressed bewilderment on his show, asking, “Why would China destroy hockey?”
Trump dismissed Maher’s reaction, stating he wasn’t “being serious” about the hockey comment. He then broadened his attack, characterizing Maher as “no different” than other late-night hosts he frequently criticizes, including Jimmy Kimmel, Jimmy Fallon, and Stephen Colbert. Trump also asserted that Maher’s show has become “very boring” and “ANTI TRUMP.”
The dinner between the two unlikely figures was initially arranged by Kid Rock, a vocal supporter of Trump, in 2025. Despite the setup, Trump now views the meeting as unproductive. “In any event, it was a total waste of time for me to have this jerk at the White House,” he wrote.
Trump’s Valentine’s Day post echoes sentiments expressed in a USA Today interview published on February 15th, where he called the dinner a “total waste of time.” The Independent reported that Trump accused Maher of suffering from “Trump Derangement Syndrome.”
While Trump lamented the wasted time, he also offered a glimpse into Maher’s demeanor during the meeting, claiming the comedian was visibly anxious and seeking reassurance. The post provides a rare, if unflattering, behind-the-scenes look at an interaction between two prominent figures known for their contrasting political views.