💛 A quick favor, if you've got a second.
We're really happy that you chose to read one of our stories and sincerely hope you'll stick around to read more. We took our paywall down — for now — but that won't last forever, and when the gate goes back up, we'd love for you to already be on the inside.
It's free. So please enter your email here and don't forget to like and follow us on all of your favorite Social Media platforms!
Comedian and “Real Time” host Bill Maher contended Sunday that President Donald Trump believes he has been wronged by him, despite the pair sharing a cordial dinner in 2025 that was later followed by public barbs. During remarks on ABC’s “This Week,” Maher reflected on his recent receipt of the Mark Twain Prize for American Humor at the Kennedy Center, an institution where Trump serves as chairman. The comedian indicated that tensions escalated after reports surfaced that the Trump administration had initially sought to block his award candidacy.
Maher characterized Trump’s approach with humor, saying the president takes competitive matters seriously enough to attempt blocking his honor. Speaking on his “Club Random” podcast in April, Maher expressed confidence the ceremony would proceed as scheduled and stated his appreciation for the outcome. He later defended his decision to dine with Trump, explaining that meeting with the president reflected a preference for dialogue over confrontation rather than a commitment to any political realignment.
When ABC anchor Jonathan Karl noted Maher had previously encountered criticism for the Trump dinner, the comedian stood firm in his position. Maher maintained that his account of the meeting was honest and that the experience itself was not negative, despite acknowledging Trump’s controversial record. He attributed Trump’s escalating attacks to a false sense of betrayal, clarifying that no agreement or expectation existed that he would shift his political allegiances following their conversation.
The interview also revealed Maher’s openness to supporting a Republican candidate in 2028 under specific circumstances. Maher suggested he could potentially vote for Vice President JD Vance if his Democratic opponent were backed by the Democratic Socialists of America, framing his vote as contingent on alternatives to both Trump and far-left politics. The White House did not immediately respond to requests for comment regarding the remarks.
More Stories
Chicago Mayor Issues Executive Order Requiring Contractor Diversity Disclosures and ICE Ties Reporting
University of Pennsylvania Climate Scientist Demands Supreme Court Packing Pledge From Democratic Candidates
State Department Reissues Level 3 Travel Advisory for Israel Amid Terrorism and Armed Conflict Concerns