After days of confusion, denials, and political statements, Bill Maher is setting the record straight about the Mark Twain Prize. And despite the controversy, the Real Time host isn't holding anything against President Donald Trump. In fact, the late-night host respects the move to keep him away from the award.
Maher confirmed during Friday night’s episode of Real Time with Bill Maher that he will, in fact, receive the Mark Twain Prize for American Humor in 2026. The ceremony will take place at what is now known as the Trump Kennedy Center under President Trump's leadership.
The announcement comes after a bizarre public back-and-forth earlier this month. Initial reports that Maher would be honored were quickly dismissed by White House officials as “fake news,” only for the decision to later be confirmed, leaving many fans wondering what exactly had happened behind the scenes.
Rather than express outrage or complain about disrespect, Maher leaned into the absurdity of the situation, joking about a “compromise” with Donald Trump. It also helped that President Trump recently received the inaugural "America First" award the Republican Party, a rather transparent gesture meant to inflate the president's ego.
“We have reached a compromise,” Maher quipped. “I am going to get it and then I'm going to give it to [Trump].”
Maher went on to strike a surprising tone about the ordeal, framing it as just another chapter in his long-running, often combative relationship with Donald Trump. Perhaps Maher knows better than to get on the president's bad side before the June ceremony and risk having the prize rescinded.
“Him trying to block me from getting it — I respect the move," Maher said. "Keep the game going, baby. I’m all about engagement. Disengagement gets you nothing.”
Like the rest of late-night TV, Real Time with Bill Maher has not been shy about insulting the president or criticizing his administration. But unlike his fellow hosts, Maher has socialized with Trump in the past year. He had a meal at the White House and was actually complimentary toward the president.
But things have swung in the other direction recently, with President Trump recently calling Maher a "jerk" with poor ratings. Maher closed out his monologue on Friday by referencing a long list of other insults Trump has hurled his way over the years. But even added up, it isn't enough for the comedian to hold it against the president.
“So I would just like to say, as a low ratings lightweight and a rather dumb guy and a pathetic bloated sleazebag … I am honored to accept the Mark Twain. Thank you,” he said.