en.killbait.comBill Maher Faces Criticism for Praise of Trump and Soft Treatment of Former White House Press SecretaryLate-night host Bill Maher has come under fire for his recent interview on 'Real Time' with Karoline Leavitt, former White House press secretary under President Donald Trump. According to Variety's chief correspondent Marlow Stern, Maher delivered a 'litany of compliments' about Trump while failing to challenge his guest on key issues. Stern's critique highlighted Maher's apparent shift in attitude toward Trump and his administration, noting that Maher had previously mocked Leavitt for defending Trump's remark to a reporter about Jeffrey Epstein. During the interview, Leavitt announced she would join Fox News as a commentator, but Maher did not question her transition from government to media. She also promoted Trump's stance on Iran without scrutiny, and Maher agreed with her characterization of Trump's predecessor as 'a mental patient,' stating Trump was 'far more energetic.' Stern argued that Maher's approach demonstrated a lack of journalistic rigor, as he appeared more interested in hosting guests than holding them accountable. The interview followed a recent four-hour dinner Maher attended at the White House with Kid Rock and Stephen A. Smith, which Trump suggested was part of a strategic move to soften Maher's criticism. Leavitt also relayed a message from Trump that Maher 'loved that dinner and he knows it,' to which Maher readily agreed. Stern concluded that the episode proved Maher 'isn't a journalist and refuses to challenge the conservative guests on his show,' emphasizing that Maher's style prioritizes camaraderie over critical inquiry. The criticism underscores growing concerns about media accountability and the blurring lines between entertainment and political commentary in late-night programming.