'100% or he hates you': Bill Maher puts Pence on trial over Trump and January 6 threats

WASHINGTON, DC: Comedian and political commentator Bill Maher on Saturday, June 6, argued that President Donald Trump expects complete agreement from supporters and critics alike, saying that anyone who disagrees with him risks becoming a target.

Speaking during Friday’s episode of 'Real Time with Bill Maher', Maher told former Vice President Mike Pence that Trump appears unwilling to tolerate dissent, even from those who praise many of his policies.

“You have to agree with him 100% or he hates you,” Maher said, while insisting he has publicly supported some Trump policies, including efforts to strengthen border security.

Mike Pence defends key Trump policies

Pence responded by highlighting what he viewed as major accomplishments of the Trump administration, including border enforcement, tax policy and support for Israel.

He praised Trump for standing firmly with Israel following the October 7 attacks and for taking direct action against Iran, arguing that such moves deserved recognition.

Maher acknowledged that he has commended Trump on certain issues but said that support does not prevent him from criticizing actions he considers harmful.

Bill Maher lists concerns over Trump's conduct

The HBO host said his criticism of Trump stems from concerns about several issues, including government efficiency initiatives, immigration enforcement, alleged corruption, political retaliation and Trump’s continued refusal to concede the 2020 election.

“I have commended him. The problem is that he does other things that are not good. And I will not stop talking about those,” Maher said.

The conversation later shifted to the January 6 Capitol attack, with Maher asking Pence about Trump supporters who chanted threats against him during the riot.

Mike Pence reflects on January 6 Capitol attack 

Maher questioned whether there should be broad agreement that individuals who sought to harm elected officials or disrupt the certification of the 2020 election were acting improperly.

Pence reiterated that while some people may have been swept up in the events of that day, those who assaulted police officers, vandalized the Capitol or attempted to interfere with the electoral vote count should not have received pardons.

Asked whether he harbored ill feelings toward those who threatened him and whether he feared for his life during the attack, Pence said he was focused on fulfilling his constitutional responsibilities.

“To be honest with you, I never felt a greater sense of resolve any day in my life than on January 6,” Pence said.

Maher also challenged Trump’s comments about serving beyond two terms, arguing that the Constitution clearly limits presidents to two elected terms.

Pence agreed that constitutional constraints must be respected, emphasizing themes that are central to his new book on conservative principles and constitutional government.