Bill Maher, the outspoken host of HBO’s “Real Time with Bill Maher,” has expressed his reluctance to cover another potential Trump presidency. In a recent interview with actress Jane Fonda on his podcast, “Club Random,” Maher hinted at the possibility of leaving his long-running show if Trump were to be re-elected.
Maher, who has been a vocal critic of Trump for years, stated, “I may quit because I don’t want to do another. I did Trump. I did all the Trump stuff before anybody,” he told Fonda. “I called him a con man before anybody. I did. he’s a mafia boss. I was the one who said he wasn’t going to win.”
Maher’s comments come after Trump’s recent victory in the presidential election. The comedian and political commentator has been a frequent target of Trump’s criticism in the past.
Maher’s “Real Time” has been a platform for his sharp wit and frequently enough controversial takes on current events. His potential departure would leave a void in late-night political commentary.
It remains to be seen whether Maher will follow thru on his threat to leave the show. However, his comments reflect the deep divisions and anxieties surrounding the prospect of another Trump presidency.
Bill Maher, the outspoken host of HBO’s “Real Time with Bill maher,” has hinted at potentially ending his long-running political commentary show in the wake of Donald Trump’s recent election victory. During a candid conversation with actress and activist Jane Fonda, Maher expressed his concerns about covering Trump’s presidency, stating, “I may quit.”
Maher’s show, which debuted in 2003, is known for its sharp wit and insightful discussions on current political events, featuring a rotating panel of guests. However, the prospect of covering a Trump presidency seems to have weighed heavily on the comedian.
When Fonda suggested focusing on material unrelated to Trump,Maher responded,”The show is the politics. There’s no other thing, and he’s going to dominate the news like he always does.”
Maher has been a vocal critic of Trump throughout his career, famously comparing him to a “racist Paul revere” in 2018 and labeling him a “Russian agent” in 2019 due to his relationship with Russian President Vladimir Putin.
it remains to be seen whether Maher will ultimately follow through with his threat to quit “Real Time.” However, his comments highlight the profound impact Trump’s presidency is having on the media landscape and the challenges faced by those who seek to comment on it.
Bill Maher, the outspoken host of HBO’s “Real Time,” has revealed that former President Donald Trump directs his ire at him rather than late-night host Jimmy Kimmel. Maher made the statement during a recent episode of his show, clarifying that Trump frequently targets him with tweets.
“He’s very hostile to me.He tweets about me every week,” Maher said, contrasting his experience with that of Kimmel, who has also been critical of Trump.
Maher has been a recurring target of Trump’s ire for years. In 2013, Trump even filed a lawsuit against Maher for a joke made on “The Tonight Show with Jay Leno,” were Maher quipped that Trump was “the spawn of his mother having sex with an orangutan.”
At the time, Trump offered to donate $5 million to a charity of then-President Barack obama’s choice if Obama released his college transcripts. Maher countered by offering the same amount if Trump could prove he wasn’t descended from an ape.
Trump promptly produced his New York birth certificate, but Maher didn’t make the $5 million payment. Although Trump initially filed a breach of contract lawsuit in Los Angeles County Superior Court, he later withdrew the complaint.
Trump has continued to criticize Maher on social media, calling him a “befuddled mess” in a September post on his platform Truth Social.
Despite the ongoing feud, HBO recently renewed “Real Time with Bill Maher” for two more seasons, extending the show’s run through 2026.
Contributing: Sara M Moniuszko and Ann Oldenburg, USA TODAY
## Has Bill Maher Reached His Limit?
**World Today News Exclusive Interview with Media Analyst Dr. Sarah jenkins**
**WTN:** Thank you for joining us, Dr. Jenkins. Bill Maher has stormed out of the Republican National Convention before, called Trump a “mafia boss,” and now suggests he might quit “Real Time” if Trump wins again. what do you make of this?
**Dr.Jenkins:** This is classic Bill Maher. He’s never shy about expressing his opinions, even if they’re controversial. he’s been a staunch critic of Donald Trump as the beginning, and it’s clear that covering another Trump presidency would be a tremendous challenge for him.
**WTN:** This certainly isn’t the first time he’s clashed with a political figure. what makes this situation unique?
**Dr. Jenkins:** It’s not just about political disagreement.Maher is clearly exhausted. He’s been doing this for decades, and covering the Trump era has been notably draining for political commentators. The constant barrage of news, the hyper-partisan rhetoric, the attacks on the media itself – it takes a toll.
**WTN:** You mentioned exhaustion. Do you think ther’s a genuine risk that Maher will actually leave “Real Time”?
**Dr. Jenkins:** It’s possible. He’s undoubtedly considering his options.“Real Time” is his platform, his baby, but at what cost? Continuing could be emotionally and mentally draining, especially if another trump term is as tumultuous as the first.
**WTN:** If he does leave, what would be the implications for late-night political commentary?
**Dr. Jenkins:** Maher’s departure would leave a void. He’s filled a unique niche – a left-leaning commentator who is willing to challenge his own side and poke fun at sacred cows. This kind of sharp, often biting, commentary is becoming increasingly rare.
**WTN:** You mentioned a unique niche. Do you see anyone stepping up to fill that void if Maher does leave?
**Dr. Jenkins:**
It’s hard to say.There are talented comedians and commentators out there, but replicating Maher’s blend of humor, intelligence, and willingness to be provocative is tough.
**WTN:** What do you think this all says about the state of political discourse in America today?
**Dr. Jenkins:**
Maher’s potential departure reflects a broader trend: people are increasingly exhausted by the constant barrage of political news and rhetoric. The lines seem to be hardening, and civil discourse is becoming more difficult. This could lead to a decrease in thoughtful political analysis and more echo chambers where people only hear what they want to hear.
**WTN:** Dr. Sarah Jenkins, thank you for yoru insights.
**Dr.Jenkins:** My pleasure.
