Joe Rogan appeared genuinely surprised by Donald Trump’s extraordinary response to Bill Maher, describing the president’s lengthy Truth Social post as a “breakup letter” and one of the most unusual public exchanges he had seen.
During an episode of The Joe Rogan Experience, comedian Colum Tyrrell brought up Trump’s reaction to Maher, who had recently defended his decision to meet the president for dinner.
Maher argued that speaking with Trump directly was more useful than criticizing him from a distance. Maher told his critics, “I’m the bad guy because I go and say face-to-face to the man the things you write in articles he’ll never read.”
Maher had also suggested that Trump was less threatening than he had been during his first term, particularly because he is now a lame duck. He criticized wealthy Hollywood acquaintances who continued to panic about the president despite living largely unaffected lives.
Trump responded with a lengthy post attacking the comedian personally and professionally. He referred to Maher as a “COMPLETE AND TOTAL LOSER,” a “major POTHEAD” and a “dumb [ ].”
Trump also disputed Maher’s comments about his standing among Republicans, citing a CNN poll that he claimed showed approval of 98% or 99% within the party.
Rogan questioned why Trump devoted so much time to responding to Maher. “I don’t even think what Bill Maher said was that bad,” he said. “I think the thing that got him was saying that Trump lost all of his support with the Republican party ”
Rogan also noted, “Things like that letter to Bill Maher are not the best. Like that’s not a good look. One of the worst things he’s ever done.”
Trump further complained that Maher had criticized his record and Republican candidates, accusing him of dishonesty and refusing to acknowledge the administration’s successes. He concluded by telling Maher, “You’re not transformative, you’re a Loser!”
The exchange was particularly notable because Maher had recently praised Trump’s conduct during their dinners, saying the president listens, maintains eye contact, does not interrupt and does not become angry.
