Bill Maher Accuses Supreme Court of Partisanship,Compares Constitution to the Bible
The U.S. Supreme Court is facing mounting criticism for perceived political bias, with comedian Bill Maher recently delivering a scathing assessment of its recent decisions and questioning its commitment to impartiality. MaherS commentary, delivered on the November 7 episode of Real Time with Bill Maher, highlighted a stark contrast in rulings between federal district courts and the nation’s highest court, notably in cases involving former President Donald Trump.
Maher asserted that the Supreme Court “has to recognize that they have one last chance to not look like a bunch of partisan hacks who are no different than the other two branches of the government.” He framed the current legal landscape as a critical juncture, questioning whether the court genuinely serves as a check on executive power or simply offers a “blank check” to those in power.
The comedian pointed to a notable disparity in outcomes for cases involving Trump.Between May 1 and June 23, federal district courts ruled against the former president in 94.3% of cases (82 out of 87), while the Supreme Court enjoyed a 100% win rate in the 17 cases Trump brought before it. “Which is funny because during the [Joe] Biden years, the court was all about reigning in presidential power,” Maher observed, suggesting a shifting standard based on the occupant of the White House.
This perceived double standard was further illustrated by the Supreme Court’s recent decision to temporarily block a court order requiring full funding for SNAP benefits during the government shutdown. This move came after a federal judge had instructed the administration to fully fund the program.
Beyond the specific cases, Maher broadened his critique to question the very relevance of the U.S. Constitution in contemporary American society. “The Constitution: Is it still a real thing, or is it just a vibe now?” he asked. He then drew a provocative parallel between the Constitution and the Bible, suggesting both are “sacred, old texts that everyone name-drops with reverence but no one actually reads or even feels bad about ignoring.”
Maher elaborated on this comparison, noting that both texts contain pronouncements regarding slavery without explicitly condemning the practice. However, he acknowledged a crucial difference: “with the Constitution, we could amend it and did.” He conceded that he could reconcile himself with the Bible’s “Bronze-Age nonsense” if the Constitution remained a robust defense of Enlightenment principles. However, he now fears both are treated with superficial reverence, akin to “a hot dog: Something Americans love, but they don’t know what’s in it, and they don’t care.”
Real Time With Bill Maher airs Fridays at 10/9c on HBO.
Summary:
Who: Comedian Bill Maher criticized the U.S. Supreme Court.
What: Maher accused the Court of exhibiting partisan bias, particularly in cases involving former President Donald Trump, and questioned the relevance of the Constitution.
Why: Maher highlighted a significant difference in rulings between federal district courts and the Supreme Court in Trump-related cases-district courts largely ruled against Trump (94.3%), while the Supreme Court had a 100% win rate for Trump. He also pointed to the Court blocking full funding for SNAP benefits during a government shutdown.
How did it end?: Maher’s critique ended with a broader questioning of the constitution’s relevance,comparing it to the Bible as texts revered but often ignored,and expressing concern that both are treated superficially. The segment aired on the November 7 episode of Real Time With Bill Maher.
