Bill Maher Accuses Trump of Flirting with Authoritarianism After White House Dinner

Comedian Bill Maher, after a recent private dinner with Donald Trump, publicly criticized the former president for 'flirting with authoritarianism,' warning that Trump's jokes about being a dictator and serving beyond two terms should be taken seriously rather than dismissed as mere humor. Maher argued that such rhetoric is dangerous, likening it to flirting in relationships, where what starts as harmless can lead to more serious consequences. Despite being surprised by Trump's gracious demeanor in private, Maher insisted that this did not change his view of the potential risks posed by Trump's public statements and intentions. He further called on conservatives to acknowledge these dangers, emphasizing that accepting or downplaying authoritarian talk can have real-world consequences. Maher also noted that he faced backlash from some on the left for honestly reporting his experience with Trump, but maintained that his objectivity gives him credibility to challenge both sides. The episode underscores ongoing concerns about the normalization of authoritarian language in American politics.