Los Angeles, California — Comedian Bill Maher has reignited his longstanding criticism of former President Donald Trump, accusing him of showing signs of authoritarianism. This comes just weeks after the two dined together at the White House, an encounter that seemed to signal a thawing of their adversarial relationship.
On his show, “Real Time with Bill Maher,” the comedian reflected on their late March dinner, using it to suggest he can take an objective stance on Trump despite their turbulent history. Maher remarked that he felt relief when Trump did not fulfill certain campaign promises, pointing out the irony in a president whose rhetoric often borders on fascism.
During his monologue, Maher highlighted Trump’s joking remarks about dictatorship, noting, “That’s the problem with dictator jokes. They don’t stay jokes.” He expressed concern about the implications of Trump’s comments regarding a potential third term, which flout the 22nd Amendment.
Further probing Trump’s behavior, Maher remarked on the unpredictability of human nature when it comes to power dynamics. “Humans cannot be trusted to just flirt with other attractive humans, and the MAGA crowd cannot be trusted to flirt with dictatorship,” he said, illustrating his point with the analogy that all infidelity begins with flirting.
While Maher’s prior critiques of Trump were staunch, he has found common ground with some conservatives and libertarians through his critiques of progressive culture. His connection to Trump, facilitated by rock star Kid Rock earlier this year, raised eyebrows, but Maher contends it didn’t overshadow his fundamental disagreements with the former president.
Expressing a desire for transparency, Maher suggested that his willingness to be forthright about Trump’s actions in private reinforces his credibility. “I was honest about it. And that gives me standing to say to conservatives, ‘now okay, you appreciated my honesty and guts, now I want to see your guts,’” he quipped.
Maher’s remarks underscore a complex relationship with the political landscape, as he navigates between his traditional liberal base and those in conservative circles who appreciate his directness. His commentary reflects an ongoing tension in American discourse, where humor and serious criticism often intertwine.
The comedian’s approach illustrates the evolving dynamics of political discussion in the U.S., especially as figures from opposing camps seek to find common ground while not sacrificing their core beliefs. With Maher’s latest comments, it’s apparent that the dialogue regarding Trump’s leadership and potential return to power is far from over.