Bill Maher admits he respects Trump for seeing him as rival, trying to block his award

"I loved it that they tried to block it," Maher said, referring to reports the Trump administration tried to prevent him from receiving the award. "And, of course, I think he absolutely still could if he wanted to. So, I'm just thankful."

He offered backhanded praise for the move, appearing to say he respected the hostility as a kind of honor.

"I love that, you know, he takes the game seriously. Like no, 'I'm going to block this guy.' I respect the move," Maher said. "But I know that on June 28th, it's going to happen. We're going to be at the Kennedy Center, and I couldn't be more appreciative, honestly."

The White House previously denied that Maher would be receiving the award, with press secretary Karoline Leavitt responding to an initial report by saying, "This is fake news. Bill Maher will NOT be getting this award."

A Trump administration official later told Fox News Digital, "This was false reporting at the time of The Atlantic's reporting, but the situation changed after further conversations took place between the Trump-Kennedy Center and event organizers over the past week."

"Isn't it nice Trump's allowing you in? Your buddy?" Maher's guest, Woody Harrelson, quipped sarcastically.

While Trump initially seemed friendly at their dinner together, he later criticized Maher's manners.

"Sometimes in life you waste time! T.V. Host Bill Maher asked to have dinner with me through one of his friends, also a friend of mine, and I agreed," wrote Trump. "He was extremely nervous, had ZERO confidence in himself and, to soothe his nerves, immediately, within seconds, asked for a 'Vodka Tonic.'"

Fox News Digital reached out to the White House and did not receive immediate reply.

Fox News' Joseph A. Wulfsohn contributed to this report.