Comedian and political commentator Bill Maher confirmed on Friday’s episode of Real Time with Bill Maher that he recently had dinner with President Donald Trump, and the meeting left a significant impression on him.
The dinner, which had been reported in March as a possibility, took place after arrangements were made through mutual acquaintances, including musician Kid Rock.
On his show, Maher acknowledged that he came away from the dinner with a different perspective on the president.
Maher said he wasn’t concerned about backlash from critics over his decision to meet with Trump, indicating that he found the conversation to be eye-opening and that he appreciated the opportunity to engage directly.
NEW: Bill Maher says his “mind was blown” to come to the realization that Trump is much more self-aware and personable than he ever imagined.
“Everything I’ve ever not liked about him was, I swear to God, absent,” Maher said.
“He’s much more self-aware than he lets on in… pic.twitter.com/rfXvXjsfCU
— The Vigilant Fox 🦊 (@VigilantFox) April 12, 2025
FREE Gun Law Map: Laws Don't Pause During Social Unrest
“Not everyone has to like it,” Maher said during the panel segment.
“What is the alternative?”
His comments drew immediate pushback from panelist Josh Rogin, a journalist with The Washington Post, who suggested Maher had been used in a public relations effort by Trump.
Join the Discussion
COMMENTS POLICY: We have no tolerance for messages of violence, racism, vulgarity, obscenity or other such discourteous behavior. Thank you for contributing to a respectful and useful online dialogue.