White House Denies Bill Maher Will Receive Mark Twain Prize

Administration calls reports of Maher receiving prestigious comedy award 'fake news'

Mar. 21, 2026 at 12:56am

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The Trump administration has denied reports that comedian Bill Maher will receive the prestigious Mark Twain Prize for American Humor, calling the news 'fake' and insisting Maher will not be getting the award. The White House Press Secretary and Communications Director both refuted the reports, despite the award typically honoring renowned comedians like Richard Pryor, Julia Louis-Dreyfus, and Dave Chappelle.

Why it matters

The Mark Twain Prize is one of the highest honors in American comedy, so the White House's denial of Maher receiving the award is significant. Maher and President Trump have had a contentious relationship over the years, and this appears to be the latest clash between the two public figures.

The details

The Mark Twain Prize has been awarded annually by the Kennedy Center since 1998 to honor distinguished contributions to American humor. While the award has recognized many legendary comedians over the decades, the White House has firmly stated that Maher will not be the next recipient, calling the reports 'fake news.' This comes despite Maher's long career as the host of HBO's 'Real Time' and his history of political commentary and comedy.

  • The White House denied the reports on March 21, 2026.

The players

Bill Maher

An American comedian, political commentator, and television host, known for hosting the HBO series 'Real Time with Bill Maher'.

Karoline Leavitt

The White House Press Secretary under the Trump administration.

Steven Cheung

The White House Communications Director under the Trump administration.

Kennedy Center

The John F. Kennedy Center for the Performing Arts, which has awarded the Mark Twain Prize for American Humor since 1998.

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What they’re saying

“This is fake news. Bill Maher will NOT be getting this award.”

— Karoline Leavitt, White House Press Secretary

“Literally FAKE NEWS”

— Steven Cheung, White House Communications Director

The takeaway

The White House's denial of Bill Maher receiving the prestigious Mark Twain Prize highlights the ongoing political tensions between the comedian and the Trump administration. This dispute over a major comedy award underscores the highly polarized relationship between Maher and the former president.