'Lame dude': Internet divided as Bill Maher mocks Republicans dressed like Trump at hush money trial

MANHATTAN, NEW YORK CITY: On the 'Real Time' episode of the night of May 17, the host, Bill Maher highlited how "Republicans have been showing up at the Trump trial dressed like Trump."

Maher's quip comes after a wave of congressional Republicans and other GOP lawmakers traveled to the Manhattan Criminal Courthouse to support former President Donald Trump during his historic hush money trial, including Vivek Ramaswamy, House Speaker Mike Johnson, Matt Gaetz (Fla), Lauren Boebert (Colo), Jeanine Pirro and even more. 

Maher took to his X channel, writing, "Republicans have been showing up at the Trump trial dressed like Trump. No wonder Trump falls asleep at the trial. He's counting his sheep."

Bill Maher criticizes GOP's courtroom support for Trump with humor

Considering the several politicans showing up at Trump's trial, Maher began by referencing a term he's used consistently, "So I've been using the peppy little phrase, slow-moving coup, since before Trump got elected," he said setting the stage for his critique of the recent events.

He continued by highlighting a peculiar trend among Republicans, saying, "Here's the next phase that happened this week. I don't know if you saw this in the paper or wherever you get your news, but the Republicans have been showing up at the trial dressed like Trump."

Maher also noted the absurdity and potential implications of this behavior: "Well, I know, it's all funny until it's the law." He then listed prominent Republicans involved,"JD Vance was there, Vivek Swamyswami, Tommy Tuberville, the head of the House, Mike Johnson, Matt Gaetz."

With a characteristic quip, he added, "No wonder Trump falls asleep in the trial, he's counting his sheep."

Maher remarked on Lauren Boebert, saying, "Lauren Boebert also showed up, but only because she heard one of the juries was hung," injecting a bit of risqué humor. 

Transitioning to another political clash, Maher then mentioned a recent heated exchange, "Oh, speaking of catfights, did you see what happened there? The House Oversight Committee had a hearing, and Marjorie Taylor Greene, who's Republican and white, got into it with Democrat Jasmine Crockett, who's Democratic and black."

He recounted then Crockett's sharp retort to Greene, "Jasmine Crockett said Marjorie Taylor Greene was a bleached blonde, bad-built butch body," punctuating this with a humorous jab: "And somewhere in a tree, one of the Keebler elves said, somebody just burned a cracker."

Recently, Trump was found in contempt of court ten times by Judge Merchan and fined $10,000 for violating the gag order. Merchan also warned him that any further violations could lead to jail time. 

Bill Maher faces viewer backlash for his comments

Since the 'Real Time' episode aired, Maher was subjected to scrunity and criticism from viewers as many did not align themselves with the host's view. 

A particular viewer expressed, "Advice: fire the staffer that wrote that joke."

Following suit, another observer added, "Bill-you are a Republican now, come out of the closet."

Additionally, a viewer pointed out, "That joke made me start counting sheep."

A follower contributed, "Cult follows."

A comment underscored, "Count your blessings, Bill."

Another comment echoed, "You're Lame dude."

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.