Karoline Leavitt Sits Down With Bill Maher on HBO's Real Time
Karoline Leavitt, who left her job as President Trump's White House press secretary in August, was an interview guest on HBO's Real Time with Bill Maher on Friday, October 23, 2026. The episode aired from 10 to 11 p.m. ET, or 7 to 8 p.m. PT, and was also available to stream on HBO. Variety reported the interview.
The press secretary is the official who briefs reporters on the president's behalf. Leavitt said she stepped down to care for her two young children, who are aged 2 and six months. She also said she will start as a Fox News pundit, meaning a paid on-air commentator, on November 1.
Leavitt told Maher that President Trump sends his regards. She said the president loved the dinner the two men shared. Maher has described that evening at the White House as a four-hour dinner, and it was attended by Trump, Kid Rock and Stephen A. Smith as well.
Leavitt's successor, Katie Zacharia, took over the press secretary job after Leavitt and lasted five days in the role. The interview also touched on a moment from Trump's time aboard Air Force One, when the president shouted "Quiet, piggy!" at Bloomberg News reporter Catherine Lucey after she asked him about Jeffrey Epstein.
The episode also featured Steve Hilton, an author and the Republican candidate for California governor, and Kentucky Gov. Andy Beshear. Hilton and Beshear were guests on the same night as Leavitt.
For viewers, the show is a mix of formats. Real Time runs an opening monologue, one-on-one interviews, panel discussions and a recurring "New Rules" segment. HBO rates the October 23 episode TV-MA, meaning it is intended for mature audiences, and lists it at one hour long.
Leavitt's appearance was her first on a late-night show, according to TV Insider. She has not been a regular on the program, and HBO has not announced any follow-up appearance.
