After facing backlash from both Democrats and President Donald Trump over his White House dinner, Bill Maher says he feels stuck in the middle. The comedian used his HBO platform to respond directly to Trump’s recent social media attack, pushing back on claims about their 2025 meeting and defending his decision to attend the dinner.
Bill Maher calls out Donald Trump amid dinner claims
Bill Maher addressed Donald Trump’s February 14 Truth Social post, in which the president described the late-night host as a “jerk” and called their White House dinner a “waste of time.” Trump appeared frustrated that Maher continued criticizing him publicly after their cordial meeting. On his show, Maher rejected the idea that the dinner implied political loyalty.
“He went off on me and said the dinner we had was a waste of time − well, I didn’t think it was − and that I’m a jerk, and I’m a low-rent lightweight, and all this … because I never stopped criticizing him,” Maher said. “I never said I would! I know how women feel now: A guy buys you dinner and then expects you to put out. I’m not that guy.”
Trump had also claimed Maher was “extremely nervous” during the dinner and ordered a vodka tonic “within seconds” to calm himself. Maher disputed that account, saying he requested a margarita, but not “immediately,” and denied feeling anxious. “I had a drink before dinner, as people do,” he said.
Maher suggested the controversy over the dinner has left him criticized from all sides. “I’m like the Democrats with an election: I just can’t win,” he quipped, acknowledging frustration from liberal viewers as well as Trump supporters.
The dinner reportedly took place in early 2025, after which Maher described Trump as surprisingly “gracious and measured” in person, concluding, “A crazy person doesn’t live in the White House. A person who plays a crazy person on TV a lot lives there.” That assessment drew backlash from some of his audience.
