Woody Allen Calls Trump ‘Pleasant’ on Bill Maher’s Podcast

LOS ANGELES, California — Woody Allen, the 89-year-old filmmaker, has stirred controversy after calling former President Donald Trump ‘polite’ during an appearance on Bill Maher’s podcast. Allen shared his thoughts about Trump while discussing his past experiences with the former real estate magnate, who made a cameo in Allen’s 1998 film ‘Celebrity’.

On the podcast aired on Monday, Allen praised Trump’s acting skills, saying, ‘As an actor, he was very good. He was very convincing, and he has a charismatic quality as an actor.’ The director expressed surprise that Trump chose a political path, suggesting that politics is filled with stress and tough decisions.

In response, Trump shared Allen’s positive remarks on his Truth Social account, igniting discussions about the filmmaker’s troubled legacy. Allen’s personal life has faced scrutiny, especially following revelations regarding his relationship with Soon-Yi Previn, his former partner Mia Farrow‘s adopted daughter.

Allen’s comments raised eyebrows, as many fans find it hard to separate his artistic contributions from the troubling aspects of his life. Many are also questioning why Trump would want the endorsement of a director whose past controversies include allegations of sexual misconduct.

Maher, known for his comedic takes on political issues, reacted to Allen’s flattery about Trump with sarcasm, saying, ‘How dare you?!’ Earlier this year, Maher faced backlash after dining with Trump and referring to him as ‘gracious’ and ‘not fake’.

During the podcast, Allen revealed he voted for Kamala Harris in the 2024 presidential election, emphasizing he disagrees with Trump on ‘99%’ of issues. He remarked on Trump’s unconventional move into politics, recalling how he used to see Trump at Knicks games and found him more suited for a life of leisure.

As the conversation shifted back to Trump’s leadership style, some critics noted the normalization of his sometimes dictatorial behavior within Hollywood. Allen concluded by joking, ‘If he would let me direct him now that he’s president, I think I could do wonders,’ showing a blend of humor and seriousness in discussing Trump’s presidency.