Trump Slams Bill Maher as a 'Highly Overrated Lightweight'
Variety
by Jack DunnFebruary 14, 2026
AI-Generated Deep Dive Summary
Donald Trump recently criticized Bill Maher in a lengthy post on Truth Social, calling their White House dinner a “total waste of time” and labeling Maher as a “highly overrated lightweight.” During the dinner, Trump claimed Maher was nervous and lacked confidence, quickly turning to vodka to calm his nerves. Despite their interactions, Trump expressed frustration that Maher’s ratings are low, suggesting his comments about Trump wouldn’t reach many audiences. The post appeared to be partly motivated by Maher’s recent jokes at Trump’s expense, including one about Canada ending ice hockey as part of a trade deal.
In response, Maher later downplayed the tension during an episode of *Real Time*, describing Trump as “gracious” and more self-aware than his public persona suggests. He noted that Trump laughed during their conversation, something Maher hadn’t seen before. However, Trump’s critique highlights the ongoing friction between politicians and late-night comedians, with Trump previously targeting other hosts like Jimmy Kimmel and Stephen Colbert for their perceived bias.
This exchange matters to entertainment readers as it underscores the delicate relationship between political figures and media personalities. Such interactions often shape public perception of both parties and reflect broader cultural divides. Maher’s portrayal of Trump contrasts sharply with Trump’s own critical assessment, offering a glimpse into how these two influential figures navigate their roles in the public eye.
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Originally published on Variety on 2/14/2026