Overview
- Democrats flipped control of both chambers in the midterm elections, gaining seven Senate seats and 42 House seats after Tuesday’s voting, handing the party the majorities in the Senate and the House.
- On his Nov. 7 Real Time monologue, Bill Maher celebrated the Democratic results, played clips of his earlier forecasts and directly mocked President Trump by asking “Don, are you OK?” after quoting Trump’s congratulatory remark to Democrats.
- The exchange follows a recent public feud: Trump posted a lengthy Truth Social attack about Maher and their reported White House dinner, and Maher rebutted on his Oct. 30 show before returning to the topic after the midterms.
- Coverage highlights a split debate over private access to the president, with supporters saying such dinners can advance policy talk and critics warning they create conflicts of interest and reputational risk for journalists and entertainers.
- The Democratic majority will shape legislation and oversight in the coming Congress and increase scrutiny of White House relationships with media figures, a dynamic to watch as committees and lawmakers set priorities next year.