Bill Maher stood by his decision to dine with Donald Trump, saying that the term “Nazi” is too strong to use in nuance and that critics are conflating his argument. The comedian referenced Larry David’s New York Times essay “My Dinner with Hitler,” which compared a private dinner between the two to a conversation with Adolf Hitler.
Maher argued that using the Nazi comparison is misleading, as it implies that Trump’s supporters are inherently evil and hate those who oppose them. He claimed that this tactic has lost him credibility and that his critics are instead calling for hate speech, not nuanced discussion.
Maher criticized Democrats and Republicans alike, saying they have become more divisive than unifying. He suggested that people are so entrenched in their beliefs that they can’t consider opposing views without being labeled as a “Nazi apologist.” The comedian also defended himself against accusations of hypocrisy, pointing out that many critics on the left are more racist and out of touch with the country’s balance.
The episode comes after Maher previously praised Trump as “gracious and measured” following their dinner, which has sparked debate among his fans and critics. Despite his defense, some have accused him of being a “Trump apologist,” while others see it as a necessary attempt to find common ground in a deeply divided country.
Source: https://deadline.com/2025/04/real-time-bill-maher-denouncing-nazi-comparisons-1236377586