Bill Maher reveals the real reason behind his feud with Donald Trump. The comedian explained what went wrong after their 2025 White House dinner and shared a surprising admission about his political future.
Bill Maher gives details about his 2025 dinner with Donald Trump
Comedian Bill Maher discussed his 2025 dinner with President Donald Trump during an appearance on ABC’s This Week on Sunday. Maher claimed Trump now feels “betrayed” by him after they continued feuding following their cordial White House meeting. The Real Time host accepted the Mark Twain Prize for American Humor at the Kennedy Center on June 28.
Maher explained that Trump grew frustrated because the comedian refused to align with Republicans after their dinner. “He was just mad at me because I went to his house for dinner with no guarantee that I would leave – guarantee? It was never in the cards that I was ever going to come over to their – his side,” Maher said. He added that the purpose was simply open dialogue rather than any political deal.
Anchor Jonathan Karl noted that Trump’s attacks against Maher have intensified since their 2025 meeting. “Yes, because now he feels betrayed, which is silly because there was never a deal. It was only set up as, instead of shouting at each other, talk to each other,” Maher responded. He also stood by his decision to meet with Trump despite facing backlash from critics.
Maher previously addressed the Trump administration’s reported attempt to block his Mark Twain Prize. “I love that, you know, he takes the game seriously. Like no, ‘I’m going to block this guy.’ I respect the move,” Maher said on his Club Random podcast in April. He expressed appreciation that the ceremony ultimately proceeded as planned.
Despite his opposition to Trump, Maher revealed openness to voting Republican in 2028. He said he could consider supporting Vice President JD Vance if Democrats nominate a candidate backed by the Democratic Socialists of America. “My vote is in play because it can’t be Trump running, so I’m not living in communist America,” Maher said.
