Bill Maher compares Trump to a character in 'The Sopranos' over Arlington cemetery controversy
WASHINGTON, DC: On a recent episode of 'Real Time with Bill Maher', the comedian delivered a sharp critique of Donald Trump, comparing him to the iconic TV mob boss Tony Soprano, albeit without the self-reflection.
“Ever wondered what Donald Trump is like in real life? Tony Soprano without the introspection,” Maher quipped during his Friday night monologue.
Controversy erupts as Donald Trump films campaign video at Arlington cemetery
Bill Maher's comment came in the wake of a scandal involving Donald Trump's visit to Arlington National Cemetery (ANC). The controversy erupted when Donald Trump filmed a campaign video at the cemetery, a move that violated federal and military regulations prohibiting the use of the site for political purposes.
An ANC employee who attempted to enforce these rules reported being physically assaulted by a Trump associate. Although the employee reported the incident to the Army, she chose not to press charges due to concerns about possible retaliation from Trump’s supporters.
The Army confirmed the incident, stating, “This incident was unfortunate, and it is also unfortunate that the ANC employee and her professionalism has been unfairly attacked. ANC is a national shrine to the honored dead of the Armed Forces, and its dedicated staff will continue to ensure public ceremonies are conducted with the dignity and respect the nation’s fallen deserve.”
Bill Maher defends ANC laws and mocks Donald Trump’s reaction
During his monologue, Bill Maher expressed support for the laws governing ANC, saying, “There’s a law, as there should be, at Arlington National Cemetery, where our bravest and greatest are buried, that you can’t take pictures.”
He added, “You can’t use it as a campaign prop. I mean, it’s like when homeless people started to f**k in libraries. You didn’t think there should be a law about it, but you have to. Sometimes you just need a law.”
Maher continued to lampoon Trump’s reaction to the rules: “So of course, when Trump heard this, he was like, the laws, right? And they told him to stop. And he was furious. He said, ‘You are ruining a perfectly good exploitation of a tragedy.’”
In his trademark satirical style, Maher further mocked Trump’s behavior by saying, “Then he grabbed some flowers off someone’s grave and said, ‘Send these to Melania'.”
He concluded with, “When the park people told him to stop, he just shoved them aside. His goons just shoved her. Ever wondered what Donald Trump is like in real life? Tony Soprano, without the introspection.”
