Comedian says the president texted him after their meeting, criticizing him as still part of the ‘lunatic left’ despite their private conversation
Comedian and television host Bill Maher has revealed details of a message he says President
Donald Trump sent him following a widely discussed dinner at the White House, offering a rare glimpse into the private exchanges between the political rivals.
Maher said the president texted him after the meeting to criticize his continued political commentary, telling him that he remained part of what Trump described as the "lunatic left." The exchange reportedly followed a private dinner the two men attended at the White House in March twenty twenty five, arranged by musician Kid Rock and also attended by several prominent figures.
The dinner itself drew significant attention because Maher has long been one of Trump’s most vocal critics in American media.
The meeting, which reportedly lasted several hours, was described by Maher as cordial and wide ranging, with the two discussing politics and policy in a direct but civil conversation.
According to Maher, the text messages that followed reflected the ongoing political differences between the two men.
He said Trump sometimes reacts strongly to criticism on his television program, sending messages expressing frustration with Maher’s continued opposition.
In recounting the exchange, Maher said the president’s message focused on the idea that the comedian remained aligned with liberal critics despite their private discussion.
Maher responded jokingly, continuing the back and forth that he said has occasionally taken place between them.
The revelation comes as their relationship has again entered the spotlight following recent public comments and social media posts.
Trump has criticized Maher’s television commentary, while Maher has continued to address the president and his policies during segments on his show.
The unusual dialogue between a sitting president and a prominent late night television host highlights the sometimes personal nature of modern political discourse in the United States.
Despite their sharp ideological differences, Maher has said that Trump appeared markedly different in private conversation compared with his public political persona.
Political observers say the episode reflects the complex dynamics between media personalities and political leaders in the current media environment, where criticism, personal relationships and public messaging often intersect.
The dinner and the subsequent text exchange have become a recurring topic in Maher’s public appearances, illustrating how encounters between political opponents can continue to resonate in public debate long after the meeting itself.