Trump blasts Bill Maher in 1,300-word Truth Social post
The president attacked the HBO host one week before midterms, citing a recent interview and personal grievances.
By Malik Salazar ·
Donald Trump posted a 1,300-word tirade against Bill Maher on Truth Social on Sunday evening. The message came six days before the US midterm elections, a period when Republicans face stiff competition from Democrats. Trump labeled Maher a “TOTAL LOSER” and criticized his television ratings.
The outburst followed an episode of Real Time with Bill Maher in which the host interviewed Karoline Leavitt, the former White House press secretary. Maher asked Leavitt if Trump would act on “vengeance” if Republicans lost the midterms. Leavitt defended Trump and expressed confidence that Republicans would outperform expectations. Trump responded by calling Maher a “coward who is afraid to tell the truth” about the state of the country.
Trump disputed specific points Maher raised during the broadcast. These included the Justice Department’s efforts to target ballots allegedly cast by noncitizens in California. Trump also addressed rumors that he is converting the White House press briefing room into a swimming pool. The president further challenged Maher’s endorsement of specific Republican candidates for the upcoming elections.
The post contained personal jabs beyond political policy. Trump accused Maher of drinking excessive amounts of alcohol during two dinners they shared during the second administration. He also called Maher a “POTHEAD” and claimed the host catered to viewers who “don’t like working.” Trump added that he would instruct Republicans to stop covering Maher on their programs.
This marks the latest instance of Trump targeting late-night hosts. Earlier this year, he called for Jimmy Kimmel to be terminated after jokes about Melania Trump. Last year, he demanded the firing of Seth Meyers. Public polling shows voters are increasingly unhappy with Trump’s handling of the economy, cost of living, and the war with Iran.
Maher, a moderate liberal, has dined with Trump twice. The host shared these experiences on his HBO show. Trump’s post notes that HBO was once a “Network of Quality and Excitement” but claims that status is gone.
