'I've wanted to say that': Bill Maher admits enjoying Trump's clashes with journalists

WASHINGTON, DC: Political commentator Bill Maher admitted he enjoys watching President Donald Trump confront journalists, saying that some of the president's blunt exchanges with the media echo his own thoughts.

The remarks stood out because Maher has long been one of Trump's most outspoken critics. Even so, he said Trump's willingness to challenge reporters is something he sometimes admires.

Bill Maher says Trump's media clashes resonate

Speaking with actor Kevin Spacey during the Monday, June 29, episode of his 'Club Random' podcast, HBO host Maher said he often resists criticizing the media directly because he does not want to provoke that fight.

"And it's funny, you know, you want to say it back to the media and I won't about anything, because you just don't want to pick that fight with them," Maher said.

He then contrasted that with Trump's approach, saying, "But sometimes when I see Trump just speak his complete internal monologue without doing things that... it's just like, he will say something, and the one I'm thinking of is like, I've wanted to say that."

Maher recalled one interview exchange in particular, saying Trump responded to a reporter by declaring, "You're a terrible person!"

"And it's like, I can't deny... there's a moment where I would have — that's exactly what I was thinking," Maher said.

HBO host praises Trump's direct style

Maher expanded on why those confrontations appeal to him, listing several responses he said have crossed his own mind during interviews.

HBO host cited remarks including, "'You're a terrible person,' 'It's not a sincere question,' 'It's a gotcha thing,' 'It's a virtue-signaling thing,' 'You don't believe it yourself.'"

Maher ended the thought by adding, "'But I don't.'"

He then summed up the contrast by saying, "Not our president," seemingly praising Trump for refusing to tailor his responses to satisfy journalists.

The comments marked another twist in Maher's complicated relationship with Trump, whom he has frequently criticized while also acknowledging moments where he agrees with the president's approach.

Praise and mockery at Kennedy Center

The latest remarks came a day after Maher accepted the Mark Twain Award at the Kennedy Center, another moment that blended criticism and humor involving Trump.

During the event, Maher appeared alongside impressionist Matt Friend, who performed as Trump and joked, "Why are we giving this low-ratings lightweight jerk the Mark Twain award?" according to the Washington Post.

Friend, while portraying Trump, went on to insist that he deserved the honor instead before breaking into Trump's signature dance, extending the mix of praise, mockery, and political satire that has long defined Maher's public relationship with the president.