Maher takes swipe at Trump over Mark Twain Prize drama, reviving long-running feud

LOS ANGELES, CALIFORNIA: Comedian Bill Maher took a playful but pointed swipe at President Donald Trump during his latest monologue, joking that the president had tried to stop him from receiving the prestigious Mark Twain Prize.

Speaking on 'Real Time with Bill Maher' on Friday, March 27, Maher leaned into the controversy, turning it into a comedic bit while also inviting Trump to attend the ceremony so he could “properly” thank him.

Bill Maher taunts President Trump

Maher opened the segment by poking fun at Trump’s own recognition, saying, “Donald Trump is getting the America First Award, maybe you never heard of it because they just made it up.”

He then pivoted to his own moment in the spotlight, telling the audience, “But speaking of awards, I’m finally getting one,” drawing cheers.

Addressing the back-and-forth over the Mark Twain Prize, Maher said, “Everyone’s asking me to explain what was going on, because there’s a lot of back and forth about this.”

He referenced claims that Trump’s team had dismissed the idea he would receive the honor, adding, “I was going to get it, and then Trump’s spokespeople came out and said, fake news, Bill Maher’s never getting it.”

“We have reached a compromise, okay? And the compromise is, I am going to get it and then I’m going to give it to him. Thank you. Everybody’s happy.”

Bill Maher leans into feud with Trump

Maher framed the situation as part of his long-running dynamic with Trump.

“I’m not looking for a fight and I’m not mad that he did this,” he said. “Me and the president, we have a complicated relationship, goes back to the orangutan lawsuit.”

He even appeared to admire the move, joking, “So him trying to block me from getting it. I respect the move! Keep the game going, baby.”

Maher also addressed Trump’s past insults toward him, saying, “Even though I see that we’re back to him calling me names and I’m a lightweight ratings loser, get it off your chest, big man.”

In one of the most comedic stretches, Maher rattled off a long list of insults previously directed at him, including “low ratings, lightweight, a rather dumb guy, a pathetic bloated sleazebag, a dummy, a terrible student, a nervous failing comedian, someone who is sick, insane and crazy maniac,” before concluding, “I am honored to accept the Mark Twain Award.”

Closing the segment, Maher extended an invitation directly to Trump. “I will be there, Don, and I hope you will be, too,” he said, referencing the venue with a jab: “I mean, the place is named after you now. You really should show up.”

He added that Trump could even “thank me in person,” while noting perhaps surprisingly that he was among those who supported Trump’s recent actions on Iran, saying he was “glad you hit Iran and is hoping we win that one.”