Bill Maher Taunts Trump Over Honorary Award

The talk show host fires back after the former president's team tried to block his Mark Twain Prize win.

Mar. 28, 2026 at 4:52pm

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Bill Maher has responded to criticism from former President Donald Trump's team after the comedian was announced as the recipient of the prestigious Mark Twain Prize for American Humor. Maher, 70, fired back at Trump, saying he hopes the former president will attend the awards ceremony since the venue is 'named after you now'.

Why it matters

Maher's comments highlight the ongoing tensions between the liberal comedian and conservatives, particularly Trump supporters, over his political commentary. The award controversy also shines a light on the continued public feud between Maher and the former president.

The details

Maher was confirmed last week as the winner of the Mark Twain Prize, prompting a denial from White House Press Secretary Karoline Leavitt. However, the award was later officially confirmed, leading Maher to taunt Trump during a taping of his HBO show 'Real Time.' Maher said he was 'honored' to receive the award and even wants Trump to attend the ceremony, joking that since the venue is 'named after you now, you really should show up.'

  • Maher was announced as the Mark Twain Prize winner last week.
  • Maher made his comments taunting Trump during a recent taping of 'Real Time.'

The players

Bill Maher

A 70-year-old comedian and host of the HBO political talk show 'Real Time with Bill Maher.' Maher is the recipient of the prestigious Mark Twain Prize for American Humor.

Donald Trump

The former President of the United States, who has been a frequent target of Maher's political commentary. Trump's team initially tried to block Maher from receiving the Mark Twain Prize.

Karoline Leavitt

The current White House Press Secretary, who initially denied that Maher had won the Mark Twain Prize before the award was officially confirmed.

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What they’re saying

“You know, this has been going on a long time. So him trying to block me from getting it – I respect the move. Keep it going, baby. I just want things to work out, and also I want to say thank you, OK?”

— Bill Maher, Comedian and Talk Show Host

“I will be there, Don, and I hope you will be too. I mean, the place is named after you now, you really should show up. You could thank me for being one of the few people on the lunatic left who's glad you hit Iran and is hoping we win that one, OK?”

— Bill Maher, Comedian and Talk Show Host

What’s next

Maher is set to receive the Mark Twain Prize for American Humor at a ceremony at the Kennedy Center, one of the last public events before the venue's two-year shutdown. The event will be broadcast by Netflix.

The takeaway

The controversy over Maher's Mark Twain Prize win highlights the ongoing political tensions between the liberal comedian and conservative critics, particularly Trump supporters. Maher's taunting of the former president underscores the continued public feud between the two, as Maher navigates criticism from both sides of the political aisle for his commentary.