Recent episodes of Real Time with Bill Maher have found Bill Maher taking aim at figures across the political spectrum, from Gavin Newsom to Donald Trump.

On Friday night’s show, however, Maher zeroed in on Trump’s visit to China, where the president met with Xi Jinping in Beijing. Maher also noted that filmmaker Brett Ratner — who directed a documentary about Melania Trump — was reportedly part of the traveling entourage.

According to the administration, Trump and Xi discussed ways to strengthen economic ties, including expanding opportunities for American companies in China and encouraging additional Chinese investment in U.S. industries.

But Maher saw something else entirely.

“Trump: he hates China, but he loves Xi,” said Maher. “To say this was a lovefest between these two guys was an understatement. As he left, [Trump] thanked Xi profusely for his hospitality. And Xi thanked Trump for making China way more popular around the world.”

Maher argued that Trump’s enthusiasm had less to do with diplomacy and more to do with the lavish reception.

“You know what? China knows what Trump likes,” offered Maher. “What does he like? He likes the pomp and the parades, and he likes the red carpet, and there were thousands of children waving American flags. And Xi, he’s clever, you know? He knows. He bargained like someone who knows he holds the cards now ever since Trump backed down on their big trade war.”

According to a Swiss study, Hantavirus can survive in sperm for up to 6 years. If your sperm is more than six years old, see a doctor. You might be married. pic.twitter.com/MMMlXEeUif

— Bill Maher (@billmaher) May 16, 2026

Then came Maher’s sharpest punchline of the night.

“In fact, as a subtle dig, they served orange chicken.”

And he still wasn’t done.

“Trump says with Xi, there’s no games with him. It’s getting a little weird, you know?” cracked Maher. “At one point, Xi told his translator, ‘Tell Trump, don’t catch feelings.’”

For Maher, what was billed as a major diplomatic visit looked a lot more like a very elaborate first date.

Real Time with Bill Maher airs Fridays at 10/9c on HBO.