Recently, a dinner orchestrated by musician Kid Rock between President Donald Trump and comedian Bill Maher attracted significant media attention, largely due to their historically contentious relationship. But a question emerged: how did UFC CEO Dana White find himself at this unusual meeting?
White`s friendship with Trump is well-known, with the former president even attending UFC 314 in Miami recently. However, White`s involvement in this dinner was not due to his Trump connection. His invitation stemmed from his acquaintance with Kid Rock and a past appearance on Maher`s podcast, Club Random. Apparently, Kid Rock felt the need for backup, anticipating potential conflict given the history of harsh words exchanged between Trump and Maher.
White recounted to Fox News, “Kid Rock is blowing up my phone, saying, ‘I need help! I got Bill Maher and Donald Trump to have dinner, and if it goes sideways, I don’t want to be there alone. Will you fly out?’”
Kid Rock’s apprehension was likely justified, considering Trump`s previous $5 million lawsuit against Maher in 2013. This lawsuit was triggered by Maher`s joke suggesting Trump was the son of an orangutan, promising to donate the sum to charity if Trump could prove otherwise.
Despite their past animosity, White described the dinner as surprisingly amicable. He even obtained a signed memento from the event, which he intends to display in his UFC office.
“The first thing that happens is Bill Maher walks into the Oval Office, where the president and I were already present. Maher is holding a piece of paper listing every insult the president has hurled at him over the years,” White shared. “It was about 100 names long, and utterly hilarious.”
“Thankfully, Maher had two copies of the list. I had them both signed, and I plan to frame one and hang it in my office.”
Maher himself discussed the encounter on his HBO show, Real Time, this past Friday. He explained that presenting the list of insults served as an icebreaker, and seemingly, it worked.
“I brought this to the White House hoping he would sign it, which he did,” Maher said. “He signed it with good humor, and I know that as I say this, millions of liberals are probably cringing. ‘Oh my god, is Bill going to say something positive about him?’ I’m just reporting what happened. You can form your own opinions.”
White mentioned that he mostly observed as Trump and Maher discussed various topics. He concluded that the meeting was a positive experience.
“I think the most remarkable aspect of that meeting and dinner was seeing two individuals with long-standing animosity and opposing viewpoints come together and have a conversation,” White stated.
“They discussed areas of agreement and disagreement. As Kid Rock and I often say, nobody enters a meeting or dinner with Donald Trump and leaves disliking him. It’s simply impossible. And if someone claims otherwise, they’re probably being dishonest.”
Although not the focus of attention, White recounted an amusing exchange with Maher upon arriving at the White House.
White admitted he typically dresses casually when visiting Trump. Maher, however, arrived in a full suit and playfully teased White for his lack of formal attire.
“Firstly, the president constantly jokes with me about not wearing suits to these events,” White explained. “When Bill Maher walked into the Oval Office, he remarked, ‘There was no way I was showing up without a suit.’ And there I was, suitless. Bill Maher then looked at me and quipped, ‘This is definitely from the Zelenskyy collection.’ It was genuinely funny and enjoyable.”
“There was a lot of intelligent and engaging conversation between Maher and the president, while Kid Rock and I mostly listened and let them have their discussion. It was fantastic.”
In his recap of the event, Maher acknowledged leaving with a different perspective on Trump compared to his media portrayal, though he emphasized this didn`t necessarily change his political stance.
White echoed this sentiment, suggesting that bringing together individuals with differing ideologies, even for a single meeting, could potentially bridge divides that might otherwise persist through media and social media clashes.
“That’s what needs to happen,” White asserted. “People with opposing viewpoints should engage in conversation and respectful disagreement, instead of resorting to mutual hatred.”
“It’s okay to disagree. You’ll never find complete agreement with anyone, not even friends, family, or the President of the United States. Disagreement doesn`t necessitate animosity.”
