Bill Maher to Receive Kennedy Center's Mark Twain Prize

The comedian has had a contentious relationship with President Trump but will be honored for his contributions to American humor.

Mar. 26, 2026 at 7:52pm

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The Kennedy Center announced that comedian Bill Maher will receive the prestigious Mark Twain Prize for American Humor, less than a week after the White House had denied that he would be awarded the honor. Maher, who has had a hot-and-cold relationship with President Donald Trump, will be recognized for nearly three decades of influencing American discourse through politically incorrect comedy.

Why it matters

The Mark Twain Prize is one of the highest honors in American comedy, and Maher's selection highlights his enduring impact on the country's cultural and political landscape, despite his sometimes controversial approach. The award also comes amid tensions between Maher and the Trump administration, underscoring the role of satire and social commentary in a divided political climate.

The details

Maher will receive the Mark Twain Prize on June 28, just before the Kennedy Center is set to close for a two-year renovation project. The White House had initially denied the reports that Maher would win the award, calling the story "fake news." However, after further discussions between the Kennedy Center and event organizers, the decision was finalized. Maher and Trump have had a contentious relationship, with the comedian once offering $5 million to charity if Trump could prove he was not "the spawn of his mother having sex with an orangutan." Trump later dropped a lawsuit he had filed against Maher over the offer.

  • The Mark Twain Prize will be presented on June 28, 2026.
  • The Kennedy Center is set to close for a two-year renovation project shortly after the award ceremony.

The players

Bill Maher

A comedian who has been influencing American discourse through politically incorrect humor for nearly three decades.

Donald Trump

The current President of the United States, who has had a contentious relationship with Maher, including a $5 million lawsuit that Trump later dropped.

Kennedy Center

The organization that presents the prestigious Mark Twain Prize for American Humor, which Maher will receive.

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What they’re saying

“For nearly three decades, the Mark Twain Prize has celebrated some of the greatest minds in comedy. For even longer, Bill has been influencing American discourse — one politically incorrect joke at a time.”

— Roma Daravi, Vice President of Public Relations, Kennedy Center

“I just had the award explained to me, and apparently it's like an Emmy, except I win.”

— Bill Maher

What’s next

The Mark Twain Prize will be presented to Bill Maher on June 28, 2026, shortly before the Kennedy Center closes for a two-year renovation project.

The takeaway

Maher's selection for the prestigious Mark Twain Prize underscores his enduring influence on American comedy and discourse, despite his sometimes controversial approach. The award also highlights the complex relationship between the comedian and the current administration, as the White House initially denied the reports of Maher's selection before ultimately acknowledging the decision.