Trump Slams Bill Maher as 'Jerk' & 'Lightweight' After White House Dinner

President criticizes talk show host for 'anti-Trump' agenda after private meeting

Published on Feb. 15, 2026

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President Donald Trump publicly criticized talk show host Bill Maher, calling him a 'jerk' and 'highly overrated LIGHTWEIGHT' after the two had dinner at the White House. Trump claimed Maher was 'extremely nervous' and 'had ZERO confidence' during the meal, while Maher argued he has continued to criticize Trump on his show despite the private meeting.

Why it matters

The public disagreement between the president and a prominent media personality highlights the complexities of political figures engaging with those who hold opposing views. The focus on post-meeting commentary suggests an effort by both sides to manage perceptions and maintain credibility with their respective audiences.

The details

According to Trump, Maher immediately asked for a 'Vodka Tonic' and confessed to feeling 'scared' during the 2025 dinner in the Oval Office. While Trump initially described Maher as 'very respectful' following their meeting, he later accused the host of promoting an 'anti-Trump' agenda on his HBO show, 'Real Time.' Trump specifically noted Maher's failure to acknowledge what he considers his administration's successes, including border security, crime reduction, economic gains, military actions, and foreign policy achievements.

  • The dinner between Trump and Maher took place in 2025.

The players

Donald Trump

The 45th President of the United States who publicly criticized talk show host Bill Maher after a private dinner meeting at the White House.

Bill Maher

A talk show host on HBO's 'Real Time with Bill Maher' who met with President Trump for a dinner at the White House, which Trump later criticized.

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What they’re saying

“Maher appeared 'extremely nervous' during the 2025 meal. According to Trump, Maher immediately asked for a 'Vodka Tonic' and confessed to feeling 'scared.'”

— Donald Trump, President of the United States (newsy-today.com)

“The relevant question isn't whether he had dinner with Trump, but rather what he said afterward, asserting he has continued to criticize Trump on his show.”

— Bill Maher, Talk Show Host (newsy-today.com)

The takeaway

This exchange highlights the challenges political figures and media personalities face when navigating interactions across ideological divides. Both sides appear focused on managing perceptions and maintaining credibility with their respective audiences, underscoring the complexities of public discourse in a polarized political climate.