Political commentator and "Real Time" host Bill Maher recently asserted that former President Donald Trump harbors a sense of "betrayal" toward him. This sentiment, Maher suggested, emerged after their continued disagreements, which intensified subsequent to a private dinner they shared in 2025.
Speaking on ABC's "This Week," Maher recounted his recent acceptance of the prestigious Mark Twain Prize for American Humor at the Kennedy Center. Donald Trump holds the position of chairman for the Kennedy Center's Board of Trustees. Prior to the awards gala, Maher and Trump exchanged criticisms publicly, following reports that efforts were made by the Trump administration to prevent Maher from receiving the honor.
Reflecting on the situation in an April episode of his "Club Random" podcast, Maher commented:
"I love that, you know, he takes the game seriously. Like no, ‘I’m going to block this guy.’ I respect the move. But I know that on June 28, it's going to happen. We're going to be at the Kennedy Center, and I couldn't be more appreciative, honestly."
Dinner and Perceived Betrayal
Following his acceptance of the award, Maher spoke about his ongoing contention with Trump. He posited that the animosity arose because he declined to align with Republican viewpoints after his meeting with the former president last year.
Maher explained:
"He was just mad at me because I went to his house for dinner with no guarantee that I would leave – guarantee? It was never in the cards that I was ever going to come over to their – his side. You know, it's better to just talk and go through this."
During the "This Week" interview, anchor Jonathan Karl noted that Maher had previously encountered criticism for his decision to dine with Trump. Maher, however, defended his choice.
Maher responded:
"I reported honestly that it, no, it wasn't a terrible experience at all from a guy who has done some terrible things."
Karl then observed that Trump's public criticisms of Maher appeared to have intensified following their dinner engagement.
Maher concurred, stating:
"Yes, because now he feels betrayed, which is silly because there was never a deal. It was only set up as, instead of shouting at each other, talk to each other."
Future Political Considerations
While Maher remained firm in his opposition to Trump, he conceded during the discussion that he might consider voting for a Republican candidate, such as Vice President JD Vance, in the 2028 election. This hypothetical scenario, he clarified, would depend on his opponent receiving support from the Democratic Socialists of America (DSA).
He elaborated on this stance, asserting:
"My vote is in play because it can’t be Trump running, so I’m not living in communist America."
