Trump Hosts White House Dinner with Maher, Kid Rock, and Smith Amid Ongoing Feuds

Key points

• Trump dined with Bill Maher, Kid Rock, and Stephen A. Smith at the White House on Thursday evening.
• Trump told reporters the dinner was 'informative' and that the guests 'like Trump' despite their public personas.
• The group toured the White House ballroom, which is currently under construction.
• Kid Rock described the gathering as 'epic' and noted the group agreed on opposing socialism and communism.
• The dinner followed a previous meal involving UFC president Dana White, according to Kid Rock.
• Trump previously criticized Maher and Smith in public, calling Maher a 'jerk' and Smith a 'low IQ individual' in June 2026.

Background

This dinner follows a pattern of Trump hosting unconventional guests, including a state dinner with Chinese President Xi Jinping in September 2026 and a private meeting with Anthropic CEO Dario Amodei. In late September, Maher mocked Trump’s White House renovations, calling him an 'arch-criminal.' Trump had previously clashed with Maher in February 2026, calling him a 'jerk' on Truth Social, and with Smith in June 2026, criticizing his intelligence after Smith criticized Trump’s attendance at a Knicks game.

How outlets are covering it

Deadline and The New York Post emphasize Trump’s positive assessment of the dinner, quoting his claims that the guests 'like him' and the evening was 'informative.' Fox News highlights the political diversity of the group, noting Kid Rock’s support for Trump, Maher’s liberal criticism, and Smith’s inconsistent political stance. The Daily Beast frames the dinner as another turn in Maher’s 'hot-and-cold' relationship with Trump, noting the recent timing after Trump’s previous public attacks. Kid Rock, via Fox News, emphasized the group’s agreement on opposing socialism, while Fox News speculated Smith would downplay the chummy nature of the gathering in future interviews.

Why it matters

The dinner illustrates Trump’s continued willingness to engage with critics and unconventional figures, despite public feuds. It highlights the fluidity of his relationships with media personalities and the potential for shifting dynamics between the White House and political commentators. The event also underscores the ongoing construction of the White House ballroom, a project previously criticized by Maher.

What to watch

Stephen A. Smith is expected to discuss the dinner on his podcast on Friday night. Bill Maher may provide a straightforward account of the evening, as suggested by Fox News. The White House ballroom construction will continue, and Trump’s relationship with Maher and Smith may evolve based on future public statements.