On Saturday, February 14, 2026, President Trump posted a nearly 500-word message on Truth Social criticizing comedian Bill Maher. Trump recounted details from a White House dinner with Maher that occurred in March or April 2025, which was arranged through mutual friend Kid Rock and also included UFC CEO Dana White. Trump claimed Maher requested a vodka tonic immediately upon entering the Oval Office and said he was "scared."
Trump stated that while Maher was initially respectful about their meeting on his HBO show "Real Time," he later resumed criticism of the administration. The president's post was triggered by Maher's Friday episode, where the comedian questioned Trump's Truth Social statement about China potentially terminating ice hockey in Canada. Trump maintains this statement was a joke that Maher mischaracterized.
Separately, clips from a CNN interview with Maher by Elex Michaelson were posted Saturday, in which Maher defended the dinner and said people who stopped watching his show because of it were "idiots." Maher stated he continues to criticize Trump when warranted and was not "seduced" by the dinner. Maher also revealed that Trump texts him, with the president calling him part of the "lunatic left."