Bill Maher Faces Backlash Over Trump Dinner, Critics Call Him Opportunist

Bill Maher recently faced backlash after describing his dinner with former President Donald Trump as 'gracious and measured,' which contradicted his previous criticisms of Trump. During a segment on his show, Maher recounted the visit and suggested that the persona Trump presents publicly is not reflective of his behavior in private. This sparked a heated debate, particularly with Washington Post columnist Josh Rogin, who accused Maher of potentially legitimizing Trump by engaging with him. Critics, including former MSNBC host Keith Olbermann, condemned Maher as an opportunist, suggesting his change in tone was driven by self-interest rather than genuine insight. Olbermann characterized Maher's actions as a betrayal of his past liberal principles, arguing that his new stance serves to maintain his relevance in a changing media landscape. The incident highlights the ongoing tensions within liberal circles regarding engagement with conservative figures.