Trump Hosts Bill Maher and Stephen A. Smith at White House Dinner
President Donald Trump hosted musician Kid Rock, comedian Bill Maher and sports commentator Stephen A. Smith for dinner Thursday. Kid Rock confirmed it Friday on Fox News.
- Kid Rock said the group agreed socialism and communism have no place in government.
- Smith raised Black women's unemployment and corporate funding for HBCUs, Kid Rock said.
- Maher raised bringing Afghan interpreters to the U.S., Kid Rock said.
- Trump said the group toured the White House ballroom under construction.
Why it matters: The guest list included two Democrats who have publicly criticized Trump. Kid Rock described it as two Democrats and two Republicans.
- Trump called Smith an "arrogant fool" on Truth Social earlier this year.
- Trump called Maher a "jerk" on Truth Social in February.
- Smith told CBS Sunday Morning he is weighing a 2028 presidential run.
How 7 sources split on this story
Where they split: Outlets differ on whether the dinner reflects Trump's openness to critics or a shift by his guests toward him.
Center coverage, 2 sources: The center focuses on Trump's past feuds with Smith and Maher and the issues raised at the table.
Left coverage, 2 sources: The left highlights Trump's praise of Maher after the dinner, relaying it largely without added comment.
Right coverage, 3 sources: The right sees Trump as a rare politician who dines with critics, and questions Smith's consistency.
What’s next: Smith said he would discuss the dinner Friday night on his podcast.
- Trump told reporters Friday that his guests "like Trump" despite a public facade for their audiences.
- What account will Smith and Maher give of the conversation?
- Will the HBCU or Afghan interpreter discussions lead to any policy action?
