30 most controversial Bill Maher moments

9. Maher shockingly shows support for the NSA’s secret snooping

Most Americans have learned by now how the government has been unconstitutionally spying on its citizens. The NSA has the ability to listen in on phone and internet conversations, as exposed by whistleblowers. It violates the rights of Americans, but the idea behind it is to supposedly find dangerous criminals and terrorists. Since its discovery, it has remained a constant source of US criticism, considered by many to be unlawful, but still a practice that is in use.

Bill Maher is never one to shy away from criticizing the government, and you’d think he’d be one of the first to strike this down. But surprisingly, while he does agree that it’s unconstitutional, Maher shows support for the program on Real Time. He is of the belief that while this is an invasion of privacy, it’s worth it if it helps find terrorist and prevent violent attacks.

Maher says that his tipping point is the involvement of nuclear weapons. People could be out there trying to get nukes, and the NSA’s snooping could have prevented that from happening. It does seem uncharacteristic for Maher, and his stance on the subject is considered controversial.