Trump Praises White House Dinner With Maher, Smith and Kid Rock

President Donald Trump hosted Bill Maher, Stephen A. Smith and Kid Rock for a private dinner at the White House on October 15, then praised the gathering to reporters the following day as enjoyable and informative. Trump said the meal lasted a long time and that the group discussed a range of topics. He spoke favorably of Maher and Smith, saying he liked them. The guests also toured the White House ballroom, which Trump described as under construction. Kid Rock, whose legal name is Robert Ritchie, offered an account of the conversation during a television appearance. He called the evening “epic” and said the group discussed socialism and communism, agreeing those ideologies should not have a foothold in government. His remarks provide one account of a private discussion; the other guests have not provided accounts in the supplied reporting. Kid Rock also said Smith raised unemployment among Black women and corporate support for historically Black colleges and universities. He said Smith questioned whether changes to diversity, equity and inclusion initiatives had affected companies’ willingness to support those institutions. No new funding commitment or policy change was...