Trump Lashes Out at Comedian Bill Maher in Valentine's Day Post

President criticizes HBO host for continued mockery despite White House dinner invitation.

Published on Feb. 16, 2026

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President Donald Trump used part of his Valentine's Day to post a lengthy social media message attacking comedian Bill Maher, the host of HBO's "Real Time." Among Trump's grievances was the fact that he had invited Maher to the White House for dinner last April, yet the comedian has continued mocking the president on his Friday night program.

Why it matters

The public feud between Trump and Maher highlights the ongoing tensions between the president and his critics in the entertainment industry, which have continued even after Trump left office. The post also reflects Trump's tendency to air personal grievances on social media, which has been a defining characteristic of his political career.

The details

In his Valentine's Day post, Trump criticized Maher for continuing to mock and ridicule him on "Real Time" despite the president having extended an invitation for Maher to dine with him at the White House. Trump did not provide any further details about the dinner invitation or explain why he felt Maher's criticism should have stopped after that.

  • Trump posted the lengthy message attacking Maher on Valentine's Day 2026.

The players

Donald Trump

The 45th President of the United States, who is known for his combative relationship with critics in the entertainment industry.

Bill Maher

The host of the HBO political talk show "Real Time with Bill Maher," who has frequently mocked and criticized Trump on his program.

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What they’re saying

“Sometime in life you waste time!”

— Donald Trump (Trump's social media post)

The takeaway

This incident underscores the ongoing tensions between President Trump and his critics in the entertainment industry, even years after he left office. It also highlights Trump's tendency to air personal grievances on social media, which has been a defining characteristic of his political career.