Political commentator and television host Bill Maher has revealed he would welcome another dinner with former President Donald Trump, months after their controversial White House meeting sparked widespread criticism.
Defending the Controversial Dinner
During Monday's episode of his "Club Random" podcast, Maher addressed the backlash he received for accepting Trump's dinner invitation earlier this year. The event included UFC president Dana White and musician Kid Rock as fellow guests.
Maher defended his decision while speaking with guest Cheryl Hines, who agreed that not everything meets the eye with Trump. The conversation began when Hines described the entire 2024 election landscape as "cuckoo birds."
The HBO host pointed to a framed document on his podcast set containing all the insults Trump has directed at him over the years. Remarkably, Trump signed this very document during their dinner earlier this year.
Unexpected Insights About Trump
"You know, it's not like I was ever deceived before or after I had dinner with him, and I want to have dinner with him again," Maher stated. "I think he needs more people... and he likes talking to people."
Hines, who is married to Health Secretary Robert F. Kennedy Jr., quickly agreed with Maher's assessment. She expressed surprise at how "very curious" Trump appeared during her own encounter with him. "Trump really likes to listen to people," she added.
Maher interrupted to emphasize how he had been "crucified" and "hated" by critics for expressing similar views about the right-wing leader. "I think he actually wants more people around him for a stimulating conversation. I was very surprised... They hated me for it," he said.
Contrasting Trump With Other Leaders
The comedian contrasted Trump with other powerful figures he's encountered, noting that "so many important people" don't genuinely listen during conversations. "I didn't get that with [Trump] at all," Maher explained. "I got a guy who looked in my eye... was listening to what I said [and] waited until I finished, even when it was contradictory."
Maher described how Trump never became "blustery or mad" about their opposing opinions, despite the former president expressing some views Maher considered plainly incorrect - including floating the idea of a third term, which is constitutionally prohibited.
Trump has repeatedly suggested running for a third term since at least 2020, even selling "Trump 2028" merchandise beginning in April, despite constitutional limitations.
Ongoing Criticism and Backlash
Maher's previous comments about the dinner drew harsh criticism from various quarters. Democratic strategist James Carville told The Hill that "Bill Maher was had." Carville criticized Trump's character, noting that the same day Maher found Trump charming, the former president was "reveling in a guy who was illegally deported to El Salvador and refused to bring him back, who loves to hurt people, loves to inflict pain."
Despite the ongoing criticism, Maher maintains his position that engaging in dialogue across political divides remains valuable, even as he acknowledges fundamental disagreements with Trump's policies and constitutional interpretations.
