Trump Declares Bill Maher White House Dinner a “Waste,” Says ‘Real Time’ Host Is “No Different Than Kimmel, Fallon or Colbert”

Hollywood Reporter

by McKinley Franklin

February 15, 2026

AI-Generated Deep Dive Summary

Donald Trump has criticized Bill Maher for what he called a "waste" of time during their recent White House dinner. Trump took to Truth Social to dismiss Maher's coverage on *Real Time*, calling him no different from other late-night hosts like Jimmy Kimmel or Stephen Colbert, whom Trump has also targeted. The president mocked Maher’s low TV ratings and dismissed his criticism of Trump’s comments about China ending ice hockey in Canada as “foolish.” Trump admitted Maher was nervous during their meeting but questioned why he would respect someone with such poor show ratings. The dinner took place last year and was described by Maher as a mostly positive experience. He noted that Trump seemed "gracious and measured" during their conversation, contrasting with the president’s online rhetoric before the meeting. However, Maher also acknowledged the tension between them, saying Trump’s tweets beforehand made him feel unwelcome. Despite this, Maher described Trump as “not the person who plays a crazy person on TV,” suggesting he saw a more composed side of the president. Trump’s critique of Maher reflects his ongoing feud with late-night comedians and entertainment media. He has repeatedly claimed these hosts have low ratings, implying their criticism goes unnoticed. Maher, though, has managed to carve out a niche as a political commentator, often addressing Trump directly on *Real Time*. The back-and-forth between the two highlights the ongoing tension between politicians and entertainers, particularly in an era where media influence and public perception are closely tied. This dynamic matters to entertainment fans because it underscores how politics and comedy intersect. Maher’s show, despite its lower ratings compared to other late-night programs, often becomes a battleground for cultural debates, especially when involving high-profile figures like Trump. The interaction between the two also raises questions about media credibility and how politicians engage with entertainers, whether for image management or personal criticism. Ultimately, Trump’s dismissal of Maher as “slightly more talented” but still on par with other late-night hosts suggests a broader strategy to undermine perceived opponents in entertainment. For readers interested in entertainment news, this feud provides insight into the complex relationship between media figures and political leaders, where public perception, ratings, and personal reputation all play crucial roles.

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Originally published on Hollywood Reporter on 2/15/2026