Bill Maher Accepts Kennedy Center Honor Despite Trump's Objections

Comedian says he respects the president's attempt to block the award as part of their 'complicated' relationship.

Mar. 28, 2026 at 3:05am

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Comedian Bill Maher has been named the recipient of the 2026 Mark Twain Prize for American Humor from the Kennedy Center, despite initial objections from the White House. Maher says he respects Trump's attempt to block the honor, noting their long-running feud, and plans to 'keep the game going' by accepting the award.

Why it matters

The back-and-forth between Maher and Trump over the Kennedy Center honor highlights the ongoing tensions between the comedian and the former president, whose relationship has been described as 'complicated.' Maher's acceptance of the award despite Trump's objections also speaks to the enduring value placed on artistic and comedic expression, even in the face of political opposition.

The details

During a recent 'Real Time with Bill Maher' monologue, the comedian revealed that he was set to receive the 2026 Mark Twain Prize for American Humor from the Kennedy Center. However, the White House initially called the news 'fake' and said Maher would not be getting the honor. Maher said he reached a 'compromise' with Trump, noting he would accept the award and then 'give it to him' - a reference to the many secondhand awards Trump has received in his second term. Maher described his relationship with the former president as 'complicated,' dating back to a 2013 lawsuit over a joke Maher made on 'The Tonight Show with Jay Leno.' Despite Trump's objections, Maher said he respects the president's attempt to block the honor, stating 'Keep the game going, baby.'

  • In 2013, Trump filed a lawsuit against Maher over a joke the comedian made on 'The Tonight Show with Jay Leno'.
  • In March 2025, Maher and Trump had dinner together, briefly striking a truce in their ongoing feud.
  • In February 2026, the president said his dinner with Maher was a 'total waste of time,' souring their relationship again.
  • On March 28, 2026, Maher announced he would be receiving the 2026 Mark Twain Prize for American Humor from the Kennedy Center.

The players

Bill Maher

An American comedian, political commentator, and television host, known for his HBO show 'Real Time with Bill Maher' and his outspoken political views.

Donald Trump

The 45th President of the United States, who had a long-running feud with Maher that included a lawsuit and various public insults.

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What they’re saying

“I'm finally getting one. There was a lot of back and forth about this. It's an award given at the Kennedy Center. But, of course, that is now the Trump-Kennedy Center.”

— Bill Maher, Comedian

“And the compromise is that I am getting it and then I'm going give it to him.”

— Bill Maher, Comedian

“I just want things to work out. And I'm not mad that he did this.”

— Bill Maher, Comedian

“Keep the game going, baby.”

— Bill Maher, Comedian

“I'm all about engagement. Disengagement gets you nothing.”

— Bill Maher, Comedian

What’s next

Maher is set to receive the Mark Twain Prize for American Humor at a ceremony at the Kennedy Center in Washington, D.C. later this year.

The takeaway

Despite their long-running feud, Maher's acceptance of the Kennedy Center honor despite Trump's objections underscores the comedian's commitment to engaging with his political adversaries and maintaining an open dialogue, even in the face of ongoing tensions.