'How about we trade it for Boeing': Bill Maher proposes a compromise regarding TikTok ban on 'Real Time'

MANHATTAN, NEW YORK: Bill Maher shared his thoughts on the potential ban on TikTok in the United States during his March 22 monologue on 'Real Time'.

"How about we trade it for Boeing?" he quipped, referencing the aerospace company's declining reputation due to safety concerns with its products.

Bill Maher's wit on Donald Trump's financial woes

Before delving into the topic, Maher covered a range of other news from the week, starting with Donald Trump's reported struggle to pay his $454 million business fraud fine, which is due on March 25.

“He is in a few trials going on and one of them is in New York, because he exaggerated his net worth, how much this property was worth,” Maher explained.

He continued, saying, “There’s a bond he has to pay the fine of $454 million and he has the weekend to come up with it."

Maher also addressed Trump's ongoing complaints about the judgment, likening the former president to "Garfield."

He humorously characterized Trump as "a fat orange p***y who hates Mondays." 

“This is pretty interesting stuff,” Maher continued, adding “'Donald Trump, the great billionaire, the great businessman' could lose his businesses his properties, his money. Today Melania was seen wearing a coat that says okay, now I do care."

Observing the potential consequences if Trump fails to pay, Maher joked that the former President's reaction would be, "Look, take anything, just leave me my boxes of confidential documents. That's all I really care about."

Bill Maher tackles congressional drama, tech troubles, and TikTok threats

Further, into the monologue, Maher mentioned Trump's search for a vice presidential running mate and highlighted the downside of being chosen: "What a great job... you get to kiss a** and defend the indefensible for four years. And at the end of it, a mob tries to hang you."

Maher also addressed the ongoing congressional budget drama and highlighted Georgia Republican Marjorie Taylor Greene's efforts to oust Speaker of the House Mike Johnson.

Transitioning to offer his insights into the tech industry, Maher touched upon the TikTok situation.

"You know, China owns TikTok, and we are threatening to ban it. So the kids who like TikTok, they're sending threatening messages to Congress, people saying they're going to shoot them and cut them into pieces," Maher remarked.

Adding to his statements, he said, "On the bright side, it's good to see the young people interested in government again."

Following this, Maher segued into the joke about Boeing. 

On March 13, the House of Representatives passed a bill requiring ByteDance, TikTok's owner, to sell the platform or face a US ban. The bill now moves to the Senate with uncertain prospects. It received bipartisan support in the House, with 352 in favor and 65 against.

The potential ban could impact TikTok's 170 million US users, highlighting concerns about national security risks and sparking discussions on social media regulation.