Trump Slams 'Jerk' Bill Maher, Calls White House Meeting 'Total Waste of Time'

The former president lashed out at the comedian on Truth Social, saying Maher was 'extremely nervous' and 'had ZERO confidence' during their Oval Office meeting.

Published on Feb. 15, 2026

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Former President Donald Trump took to Truth Social to slam comedian Bill Maher, calling him a "jerk" and saying their meeting at the White House last year was a "total waste of time." Trump claimed Maher was "extremely nervous" and "had ZERO confidence" during their dinner in the Oval Office, and accused the "Real Time" host of suffering from "Trump Derangement Syndrome." The former president also mocked Maher's recent comments about Trump's suggestion that China would end hockey in Canada.

Why it matters

This latest public feud between Trump and Maher highlights the ongoing political divisions and animosity between the former president and his critics in the entertainment industry. The exchange also sheds light on Trump's tendency to lash out at media figures who criticize him, even years after leaving office.

The details

According to Trump's Truth Social post, Maher had asked to meet with the former president through a mutual friend. Trump said Maher was "extremely nervous" and "had ZERO confidence" during their Oval Office dinner, and even asked for a "Vodka Tonic" to "soothe his nerves." Trump claimed the two had a "great dinner" and Maher was "respectful" about their meeting on his show initially. However, the former president accused Maher's show of then "devolving into the same old story -- Very boring, ANTI TRUMP." Trump also mocked Maher's recent comments criticizing the former president's suggestion that China would end hockey in Canada.

  • In April 2025, Trump hosted Maher and others for a dinner in the Oval Office.
  • On February 14, 2026, Trump posted his criticism of Maher on Truth Social.

The players

Donald Trump

The 45th President of the United States, who has a long history of feuding with media figures and critics.

Bill Maher

The host of the HBO political talk show "Real Time with Bill Maher," known for his liberal political views and criticism of Trump.

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What they’re saying

“Sometimes in life you waste time! T.V. Host Bill Maher asked to have dinner with me through one of his friends, also a friend of mine, and I agreed. He came into the famed Oval Office much different than I thought he would be. He was extremely nervous, had ZERO confidence in himself and, to soothe his nerves, immediately, within seconds, asked for a 'Vodka Tonic.' He said to me, 'I've never felt like this before, I'm actually scared.'”

— Donald Trump, Former President (Truth Social)

“Anyway, Bill Maher is a highly overrated LIGHTWEIGHT, and Republicans should stop using him to show how the Left is coming over our way — Our Base, the Greatest of All Time, laughs at your weakness when you do it!”

— Donald Trump, Former President (Truth Social)

The takeaway

This feud between Trump and Maher underscores the former president's tendency to lash out at media figures and critics, even years after leaving office. It also highlights the ongoing political divisions in the country and the challenges facing those who seek to bridge the partisan divide.