Bill Maher Discusses His Evolving Relationship with Donald Trump

<figure><img alt="Comedian Bill Maher on Club Random." src="https://thedailybeast-thedailybeast-prod.web.arc-cdn.net/resizer/v2/FRJ74COFCJH7ZIUAR7PVCTBMPE.png?auth=e081109e1fb758dca4e5fc3285b75750711eab76df1b7d2aa53c7af6c70e0303&amp;smart=true&amp;width=1942&amp;height=1074" /><figcaption>Club Random/YouTube</figcaption></figure><p>Comedian Bill Maher has commented on a shift in his relationship with former President Donald Trump. Maher, 70, attended a dinner at the White House in 2025, which was arranged by mutual friend Kid Rock. Following the dinner, Maher stated that Trump, 80, was "gracious and measured," contrasting this with Trump's public persona.</p><p>However, their relationship has faced challenges. In February, Trump referred to Maher as a "lightweight" and "ANTI TRUMP" in a post on Truth Social, expressing that it was a "total waste of time" to have Maher at the White House.</p><img alt="Bill Maher reveals his latest Trump invitation on Club Random. / You Tube/Club Random." height="1744" src="https://thedailybeast-thedailybeast-prod.web.arc-cdn.net/resizer/v2/7KOAOIO24JB5XF7PRSMFUH33EE.png?auth=7868b1219062d8d99d6972745c26d7739e64ab526945ec3ea1a042ea63de1275&amp;smart=true&amp;width=3094&amp;height=1744" width="3094" /><p>Maher has made critical remarks about Trump, likening him to a "redneck" emperor and accusing him of engaging in racist, misogynistic, and anti-democratic behavior. In September, Trump criticized Maher's low ratings for his show <i>Real Time</i>, stating that it was sad because he liked Maher but advised Republicans against using him as a platform.</p><p>During a recent episode of his podcast <i>Club Random</i>, Maher announced that he would have another dinner with Trump soon. He discussed this with Hollywood agent Ari Emanuel, who also has connections to Trump. Maher mentioned that he was looking forward to the dinner and that Trump had promised not to speak negatively about him this time.</p><img alt="Bill Maher and Ari Emanuel on Club Random. / You Tube Club Random." height="1708" src="https://thedailybeast-thedailybeast-prod.web.arc-cdn.net/resizer/v2/W7JZH44QYJG2FK5EJJDZ7EH2JE.png?auth=e446ce66e2b9b3037851cfa11c27bed9518d34e0e45c4db9ccfd73ccdbd30e9e&amp;smart=true&amp;width=3024&amp;height=1708" width="3024" /><p>Emanuel remarked on Trump's work ethic, to which Maher responded that much of Trump's work is not aligned with their views. Maher expressed that he believes in engaging in dialogue with Trump, stating that he would tell him his opinions directly.</p><p>Maher also shared that he had received the Mark Twain Prize for American Humor in June 2026, and noted that Trump's communications director had dismissed the award as "fake news." Maher commented on the reactions he received regarding his interactions with Trump, stating that he was accused of "humanizing" Trump.</p><p>The Daily Beast has reached out to the White House for comment.</p>