Bill Maher mocks Trump with Taylor Swift dating joke

American comedian Bill Maher has taken another swipe at US President Donald Trump, using a Taylor Swift joke to respond to the president’s lengthy criticism of him.

During the opening monologue of Friday’s episode of Real Time with Bill Maher, aired on October 30, the television host addressed Trump’s 1,300-word social media attack following their recent White House dinner.

Trump had described Maher as a “complete and total loser” and a “major POTHEAD”. He also accused the comedian of repeatedly seeking an opportunity to have him appear on his HBO programme. The president further claimed that Maher had looked unwell during their dinner earlier in October.

Responding to the criticism, Maher compared his experience of dining with Trump to dating pop superstar Taylor Swift.

“Eating with Trump is like dating Taylor Swift: It’s a lot of laughs at the time, but later on, they’re tearing you a new a–hole,” the comedian joked.

Maher also explained that he had supported the dinners because he wanted people with opposing views to engage in conversations without hostility. He maintained that Trump was willing to listen during their face-to-face interactions.

The comedian then challenged several claims made in the president’s post. Addressing Trump’s comments about his position on disarming Iran, Maher played footage from an earlier appearance to demonstrate his support for the position.

He also rejected the suggestion that he had invited himself to the White House. To counter Trump’s claims about bruising around his eye and nose, Maher displayed photographs taken on the day of their dinner.

Maher further disputed the president’s allegation that he had repeatedly contacted him, insisting that Trump was the one who initiated their calls.

“I’ve never called you. You call me!” Maher said.

The exchange has added another chapter to the public back-and-forth between the comedian and Trump, following their controversial White House meeting.