President Donald Trump hosted a four-hour dinner at the White House on Thursday night with comedian Bill Maher, sports commentator Stephen A. Smith, and musician Kid Rock, according to multiple reports.
The gathering lasted over four hours and included discussions on policy issues, with participants describing the evening as substantive and respectful despite political differences. Trump confirmed the dinner in remarks to reporters on Friday, calling it a positive experience and praising the attendees.
Trump, Maher, Smith, and Kid Rock attended the dinner at the White House, with each participant providing their own account of the event. The president did not disclose specific topics discussed but stated that the conversation lasted a long time and covered a range of subjects.
Participants Describe the Dinner as Respectful and Substantive
Stephen A. Smith, a sports pundit and political commentator, characterized the evening as a "very substantive" four-hour discussion. He noted that Trump "did not run from any question" and answered every query, including criticism directed at him. Smith also referenced remarks from Kid Rock, who called the meeting "pleasant" and "respectful" during an appearance on Fox News the following morning.
Kid Rock, who described himself and Trump as Republicans and Maher and Smith as Democrats, called the dinner "epic." He highlighted areas of agreement, including opposition to socialism and communism in government. Kid Rock also mentioned specific policy discussions, such as Maher’s push to bring home Afghan interpreters who aided American troops and Smith’s focus on unemployment among Black women and funding for historically Black colleges.
Trump, speaking to reporters as he left the White House, said the attendees "had a good time" and that Maher "likes me a lot more than people understand." He added that the group took a tour of the White House ballroom and described the dinner as "very informative" and involving "smart people."
Policy Discussions Included Education Funding and Political Differences
Kid Rock recounted that Trump directed $174 million to historically Black colleges and universities (HBCUs) in 2016, a claim tied to Trump’s signing of the FUTURE Act in 2019, which secured $255 million in annual funding for HBCUs and other minority-serving institutions. Smith argued that Trump’s rollback of diversity programs had reduced corporate donations to these schools, though Kid Rock countered that companies should continue funding them.
The dinner also touched on political divisions. Kid Rock criticized Democratic Senate candidate Abdul El-Sayed, who won Michigan’s Democratic Senate primary in August and is running against Republican Mike Rogers in November. Kid Rock called El-Sayed a proponent of socialism, though El-Sayed has rejected that label and identifies as a capitalist. Maher and Smith, both known for their liberal views, engaged in the discussion alongside Trump and Kid Rock, who are politically conservative.
Maher and Kid Rock Confirm Future Meetings
Kid Rock revealed that he had previously arranged a dinner between Trump and Maher in 2025 and that another meeting with Maher is scheduled for the following week. Maher, who has frequently criticized Trump in the past, confirmed on his "Club Random" podcast that he would meet with the president again.
The White House dinner follows a pattern of Trump hosting high-profile figures from diverse political backgrounds, including musicians, athletes, and entertainers. The event underscored both the president’s willingness to engage with critics and the unusual alliances formed across political lines.