Liberal comedian and political commentator Bill Maher is set to return to the White House next week for a second private dinner with President Donald Trump. Maher disclosed the upcoming meeting during an episode of his "Club Random" podcast, indicating that President Trump extended the invitation following their initial private dinner. The announcement underscores a continuing dialogue between a prominent critic of President Trump and the sitting President, defying conventional political divides.
"You know what, you’re the President of the United States. Say whatever the f— you want. I’m just glad we’re talking." Bill Maher, Comedian and Political Commentator
Maher recounted the unexpected nature of the second invitation, stating, "I’m having dinner with him next week. After the first dinner, I went back to doing what I do. Then he just, out of the blue, ‘Let’s have dinner again.’" Maher confirmed he promptly accepted the offer, signaling his willingness to engage directly with the President despite their significant political differences. This willingness to engage has previously drawn criticism from some within his own political camp.
During their previous encounter, Maher described President Trump as personally pleasant, noting a relaxed atmosphere that surprised him. He recalled President Trump even making a lighthearted remark about refraining from public criticism. "And he was really nice," Maher said. "Like, ‘I promise I won’t say bad things about you like I did the last time.’" Maher’s response, as he recalled, was to grant President Trump full liberty to express himself: "You know what, you’re the President of the United States. Say whatever the f— you want. I’m just glad we’re talking." He further likened President Trump’s characteristic insults to the comedic style of Don Rickles, stating, "It’s like being called a ‘hockey puck’ by Don Rickles. It’s just what he does."
The podcast conversation where Maher made the revelation included Hollywood agent and producer Ari Emanuel, who has a past professional relationship with President Trump, having represented him during his tenure on "The Apprentice." Maher utilized the platform to voice his disapproval of individuals who decline opportunities to meet with political figures they disagree with. He expressed his astonishment, saying it "blows my mind" that someone would reject an invitation to dine with a sitting president solely due to political opposition.
Maher specifically referenced comedian Larry David, who had reportedly criticized Maher's initial dinner with President Trump. Maher accused David of hypocrisy, pointing out that Emanuel, David’s own agent, had also recently communicated with President Trump. "It’s so interesting to me that Larry David, like, I’m the devil because I talk to him, but his own agent just talked to him on Monday," Maher remarked. "You must recognize the hypocrisy there." Maher suggested that critics applied a double standard, condemning his engagement with President Trump while overlooking similar interactions by those within their own social and professional circles.
The upcoming dinner marks Maher’s second private meeting with President Trump at the White House. Following their first dinner, Maher expressed surprise at the comfort level of their conversation. He indicated that he did not feel compelled to carefully monitor his words around President Trump, an experience he contrasted with interactions with other political figures. Maher, while identifying as liberal and a frequent critic of President Trump, has also gained recognition for his critiques of Democrats and progressives when he perceives their stances as misguided, occasionally creating friction with his political allies.
Maher has also previously commended President Trump’s sense of humor, describing him as someone with "good humor." His comfort in speaking directly with President Trump after their initial meeting was notable. Per Just the News, Maher stated, "Honestly, I voted for Clinton and Obama, but I would never feel comfortable talking to them the way I was able to talk with Donald Trump." This positive experience appears to have been a significant factor in his decision to accept a second invitation. Despite the criticism he encountered after their first meeting, Maher appears to have no reservations about returning for another private dinner with President Trump next week.
