Bill Maher says Trump 'yells' at him over text after White House dinner

The comedian claims the former president routinely criticizes him for remaining part of the 'lunatic left'.

Published on Feb. 17, 2026

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Bill Maher told CNN that former President Donald Trump regularly 'yells' at him via text messages, criticizing Maher for remaining part of the 'lunatic left' after the two had dinner at the White House last year. Maher faced backlash from some of his liberal viewers for dining with Trump, but the comedian says his stance on the former president has not changed.

Why it matters

The ongoing tension between Maher and Trump highlights the deep political divisions in the country, even among public figures who have met in person. It also raises questions about whether political opponents can find common ground or if partisan animosity will continue to dominate.

The details

In a CNN interview, Maher said Trump 'yells' at him through text messages, accusing the comedian of still being part of the 'lunatic left' despite their dinner at the White House last April. Maher faced criticism from some of his liberal fans for dining with Trump, a vocal political rival. However, Maher insists his views on Trump have not changed after their private meeting. Trump also recently lashed out at Maher in a lengthy diatribe on Truth Social, calling him a 'highly overrated LIGHTWEIGHT'.

  • In April 2025, Maher and Trump had dinner at the White House.
  • On February 16, 2026, Maher's CNN interview was uploaded to YouTube.
  • Also on February 16, 2026, Trump posted a nearly 500-word criticism of Maher on Truth Social.

The players

Bill Maher

The host of HBO's 'Real Time with Bill Maher', an outspoken Democrat who has long criticized Trump.

Donald Trump

The former President of the United States, who has a contentious relationship with Maher.

Zohran Mamdani

The 34-year-old democratic socialist who recently met with Trump in the Oval Office after winning the New York mayoral election, in a surprisingly friendly encounter.

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What they’re saying

“Yes, yelling at me!”

— Bill Maher, Host, 'Real Time with Bill Maher' (CNN)

“You're still part of the lunatic left!”

— Donald Trump (CNN)

“It was a total waste of time for me to have this jerk at the White House.”

— Donald Trump (Truth Social)

The takeaway

The ongoing feud between Maher and Trump highlights the deep partisan divisions in the country, even among public figures who have met in person. It remains to be seen whether political opponents can find common ground or if animosity will continue to dominate the discourse.