‘Expected better’: Bill Maher splits Internet as he calls Trump ‘jolly good felon’ in hilarious take on hush money verdict

Bill Maher roasted Donald Trump after a jury found the former president guilty on all 34 counts of falsifying business records
On 'Real Time with Bill Maher', host Bill Maher reacted to Donald Trump's conviction in the hush money trial (Real Time/YouTube, Getty Images)
On 'Real Time with Bill Maher', host Bill Maher reacted to Donald Trump's conviction in the hush money trial (Real Time/YouTube, Getty Images)

NEW YORK CITY, NEW YORK: On the recent episode of 'Real Time with Bill Maher', Bill Maher had plenty to say about Donald Trump's guilty verdict in the criminal hush money trial.

On May 30, a New York jury convicted the former president on all 34 counts of falsifying business records.



 

Over the five weeks of testimony, the jury heard from a former tabloid publisher, a Hollywood fixer, Trump's former lawyer, and an adult film actress. The jury found Trump guilty of falsifying documents to cover up a payment intended to silence adult film actress Stormy Daniels about a sexual encounter ahead of the 2016 election.

Trump's sentencing has been scheduled for July 11. 

Bill Maher mocks Donald Trump over guilty verdict

Maher called Friday's episode a "historic show," highlighting that Trump is the first former president to be convicted of felony crimes.

“Yeah, he’s pretty distraught and pissed off these days,” the host said. “But I gotta say, Don, if there was a silver line to this, you finally did something that made Stormy [Daniels] come.”

He added, “You know what they say: don’t do the porn star if you can’t do the time.”

Maher then discussed Trump's legal strategy, noting that his lawyers are already preparing for an appeal against the charges and rulings.

Former U.S. President Donald Trump speaks to the media after his trial for allegedly covering up hush money payments at Manhattan Criminal Court on May 20, 2024 in New York City. Trump faces 34 felony counts of falsifying business records in the first of his criminal cases to go to trial. (Photo by Mark Peterson - Pool/Getty Images)
Donald Trump became the first former US president to be convicted of felony crimes (Mark Peterson - Pool/Getty Images)

“Their big talking point today is, ‘If they do it to me, this could happen to anyone'," Maher said, imitating Trump’s voice.

He added, “Yes, of course. I’ll have to remember that next time I’m cheating on my third wife with a porn star to pay her off when I’m running for president.”

Maher later remarked on the "distraught" reactions from Trump supporters and some Republicans after the former president's guilty verdict, observing that they are now trying to "cheer him up."

"Did you see when he walked out of the trial after the verdict? They’re all out there singing, 'For he’s a jolly good felon, for he’s a jolly good felon,'" the host joked, adding "Remember all those Republicans who were dressing like him? Now they’re all in orange jumpsuits. It’s very weird."

Internet reacts to Bill Maher's mockery of Donald Trump

Bill Maher's hilarious take on Donald Trump’s guilty verdict invited varied reactions online.

One viewer said, "Yes, he woke now!"

Another comment read, "Yes, he appealing! Good one!

(Real Time)

Another viewer said, "I hope Bill can get his TDS under control after this."

(Real Time)

One viewer noted, "Expected better from you Bill. This trial was horrific Stalinist show trial."

(Real Time)

A follower replied, "What made you think BM had values. This is who he is. Haven't you paid attention?"

One comment read, "This is the happiest day of Bill's life."

(Real Time)

Another comment read in support of Bill, "For Hes a Jolly Good Felon, That Nobody Can Deny! That Nobody Can Deny!

(Real Time)

However another person said, "This monologue isn't funny it's bulls**t."

This article contains remarks made on the internet by individual people and organizations. MEAWW cannot confirm them independently and does not support claims or opinions being made online.  

GET BREAKING U.S. NEWS & POLITICAL UPDATES
STRAIGHT TO YOUR INBOX.

MORE STORIES

Susie Wiles' departure followed reports that Trump was unhappy with his advisers over weak midterm strategy and was considering changes
2026-11-06T21:11:35.000Z
James Comer criticized the lack of a clear Iran strategy and said Republican voters were more dissatisfied with the situation than Democrats
2026-11-06T20:58:36.000Z
John Sununu, who lost his Senate bid for New Hampshire, accused President Trump of failing to fulfill his promise to tackle corruption, claiming that “his family is on every transaction"
2026-11-06T19:00:05.000Z
President Donald Trump floated a ‘big, beautiful’ deal for Ukraine that could involve European countries, leaving European capitals puzzled
2026-11-06T17:22:25.000Z
Monument proposed to celebrate the 250th anniversary of American Independence, the Triumphal Arch 250-foot structure at Memorial Circle, between the Arlington Memorial Bridge and Arlington National Cemetery, near Washington, DC
2026-11-06T15:59:49.000Z
Steve Scalise asked Republican committee chairs to identify potential targets across Donald Trump's administration and prepare for the incoming oversight agenda
2026-11-06T05:56:05.000Z
Abdul El-Sayed said he was looking forward to working with anyone who is 'interested in getting money out of politics, putting money in pockets, and passing Medicare for All'
2026-11-06T05:37:13.000Z
Donald Trump is appealing his 34-count hush money conviction, arguing presidential immunity and federal campaign finance laws protect him
2026-11-06T05:27:26.000Z
'He's distancing himself from his father without giving up the political value of the Trump name,' an insider said
2026-11-06T05:01:43.000Z
The White House Office of Public Liaison reportedly sent a memo on November 5, two days after Democrats won control of both the House and Senate
2026-11-06T04:33:47.000Z