On a recent episode of Real Time, host Bill Maher took aim at President Donald Trump's state visit with Chinese President Xi Jinping in Beijing, offering a satirical take on the interactions between the two leaders. Maher focused on how Xi might be leveraging Trump's preferences to gain an upper hand in diplomatic negotiations.
Maher's Observations on Trump's Preferences
Maher remarked, "China knows what Trump likes. What does he like? He likes the pomp and the parades, and he likes the red carpet, and there were thousands of children waving American flags." He suggested that Xi, being clever, bargained from a position of strength, especially after Trump backed down on their major trade war. As a subtle dig, Maher noted, "they served orange chicken."
Xi's Comment on America's Decline
Maher also highlighted Xi's remark that America was in decline, and Trump's attempt to reinterpret it as referring to former President Joe Biden. "He just said, 'Well, you know what, when he said declining nation, he was talking about Biden's four years,'" Maher said, referencing Trump's lengthy Truth Social post. Maher countered, "And Trump was right, under Trump, gas prices, they haven't declined. Inflation, that's not declining."
Personal Affection and Bizarre Comments
Maher found Trump's apparent affection for Xi "a little weird," especially after Trump made unusual comments about Xi's appearance during a Fox News interview. "I'm glad our leaders of these two powerful countries with nuclear weapons aren't fighting, but it's getting a little, you know, personal," Maher said. He quoted Trump: "If you went to Hollywood, you couldn't find in Central Casting a better guy." Maher quipped, "At one point, he said, Xi, your hair smells terrific."
