Comedian Larry David, known for co-creating the iconic sitcom Seinfeld, has sparked debate with a biting satirical op-ed in The New York Times, indirectly mocking fellow comedian Bill Maher’s recent dinner with former President Donald Trump. Titled “My Dinner With Adolf,” the essay imagines a dinner with Hitler, mirroring the way Maher described Trump as “gracious and measured” after their March 31 meeting.
While David never mentions Maher or Trump by name, the parallels are unmistakable. The piece satirises the idea that a single pleasant encounter can change public perception of a controversial figure. In the fictional narrative, David’s character leaves dinner with Hitler claiming, “Although we disagree on many issues, it doesn’t mean that we have to hate each other,” before offering a Nazi salute.
New York Times deputy opinion editor Patrick Healy clarified the intent behind the piece, stating, “Larry’s piece is not equating Trump with Hitler. It is about seeing people for who they really are and not losing sight of that.”
Maher has yet to respond publicly. His original comments — made during an April 11 monologue on Real Time with Bill Maher — included praise for Trump’s demeanour, while emphasising he had not “gone MAGA.”
David’s essay received praise from liberal commentators and Democratic figures, while conservative pundits like CNN’s Scott Jennings criticised it as an attempt to shame others from engaging with Trump. Healy defended the use of satire, noting it can sometimes be the most effective way to provoke reflection and discussion in today’s media landscape.
Read it here.
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