Bill Maher is set to receive the 27th Mark Twain Prize for American Humor from the Kennedy Center, an honor that became entangled in a brief but public dispute with former President Donald Trump. The comedian addressed the situation on his HBO indicate, Real Time with Bill Maher, revealing a back-and-forth that initially involved White House denials about his selection. The award, which recognizes individuals who have impacted American society with humor in the spirit of Mark Twain, will be presented on June 28 and streamed on Netflix at a later date.
The confirmation of Maher’s selection followed a report in The Atlantic that cited multiple sources indicating he had been chosen but that the approval process was complicated by his contentious history with Trump, who has oversight of the Kennedy Center. Trump himself publicly criticized Maher in February, calling him a “highly overrated LIGHTWEIGHT” in a post on Truth Social, referencing a past White House dinner he deemed “a complete waste of time.” The Truth Social post detailed a litany of grievances against the comedian.
Initially, Trump’s communications team vehemently denied the Atlantic’s report. White House press secretary Karoline Leavitt stated, “This is fake news. Bill Maher will NOT be getting this award,” and White House communications director Steven Cheung added, “Literally FAKE NEWS.” The Hollywood Reporter covered the initial denials.
A Complicated Relationship and a Public Jibe
Maher, known for his often provocative and politically charged commentary, acknowledged the situation on Friday night, framing it with his characteristic humor. “We have reached a compromise,” he joked. “The compromise is that I am going to secure it and then I’m going to give it to [President Donald Trump]. Everybody’s happy. I just want things to work out.” He emphasized he wasn’t seeking conflict, stating, “I’m not looking for a fight, nor am I mad at Trump for the back, and forth.”
The comedian then referenced a 2013 lawsuit Trump filed against him, stemming from Maher’s comments on The Tonight Show With Jay Leno, where he suggested Trump was “spawn of his mother having sex with an orangutan.” As reported by The Hollywood Reporter, Trump ultimately withdrew the suit. “This has been going on a long time, so him trying to block me from getting it—I respect the move. I respect the move,” Maher said, adding, “Keep the game going, baby, OK, I’m all about engagement.”
Maher continued by playfully addressing Trump’s recent insults on Truth Social, reading them aloud and claiming to be “proud of these last insults.” He even displayed a prop – a sheet of paper purportedly listing Trump’s past criticisms, complete with a White House logo.
The Mark Twain Prize and Maher’s Impact
The Kennedy Center officially confirmed Maher as the 27th recipient of the Mark Twain Prize on Thursday. Roma Daravi, the organization’s vice president of public relations, praised Maher for “influencing American discourse—one politically incorrect joke at a time.” The Hollywood Reporter detailed Daravi’s statement.
The Mark Twain Prize, established in 1998, has previously been awarded to a diverse range of comedic figures, including Richard Pryor, Lily Tomlin, and Dave Chappelle. The prize isn’t simply about eliciting laughter. it recognizes individuals who, like Mark Twain, have used humor to comment on and critique American society. Maher’s decades-long career, marked by his willingness to tackle controversial topics on Real Time, aligns with this tradition.
Maher’s show, which premiered in 2003, has become a staple of HBO’s (now Max) programming, known for its panel discussions and Maher’s often-unfiltered monologues. He has consistently pushed boundaries, sparking debate and criticism along the way. His willingness to challenge conventional wisdom, even when unpopular, has earned him a dedicated following and cemented his place as a prominent voice in American political and cultural commentary.
Beyond the Headlines: Maher’s Recent Guests
Friday’s episode of Real Time, where Maher addressed the prize controversy, also featured a conversation with U.S. Senator Elissa Slotkin (D-MI), a former CIA analyst and Pentagon official. The panel discussion included CNN’s Laura Coates and ESPN personality Stephen A. Smith, who hosts Straight Shooter with Stephen A. and The Stephen A. Smith Show on SiriusXM and YouTube. These guests reflect Maher’s commitment to engaging with a wide range of perspectives on current events.
The ceremony honoring Bill Maher with the Mark Twain Prize is scheduled for June 28 and will be available for streaming on Netflix at a later date. It remains to be seen whether former President Trump will attend, but Maher extended a playful invitation, suggesting the Kennedy Center should be renamed in Trump’s honor if he does.
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