Maher Defends Trump's Pearl Harbor Joke, Clarifies Dinner

0:00You're listening to Entertainment and celebrity news today, powered by the Daily News Now. Bill Mahar came to Donald Trump's defense on his show Real Time, over a controversial joke about Pearl Harbor. During a meeting with Japanese Prime Minister, Senai Takaiichi, Trump referenced a surprise attack while talking military strategy. Many saw it as a tasteless nod to the 1941 bombing, sparking quick backlash online. Mahar admitted the remark crossed the line and wasn't quite right. Still, he argued it had real humor, like something from a stand-up routine. He pointed out the outrage stems more from Trump delivering it than the punchline itself. If comedian Shane Gillis dropped that line on stage, Mahar said, audiences would laugh without hesitation. The host pushed back on what he called, over-the-top reactions, suggesting critics suffer from Trump derangement more than anything. During Gears, Mahar also set the record straight on a private dinner he shared with Trump. He corrected Trump's podcast claims, saying a mutual friend arranged it, it lasted nearly

1:02three hours with margaritas, and both had a good time, talking like regular people. Trump later texted Mahar, gripping about the lunatic left, but wrapped up cordially by saying, don't change. It highlights their ongoing back and forth, blending jabs with unexpected warmth.