'Shut the f**k up': Bill Maher draws flak as he predicts 'race war' if Trump goes to prison

MANHATTAN, NEW YORK CITY: In the latest episode of 'Real Time' on June 1, Bill Maher suggested that the recent conviction of Donald Trump could potentially lead to unrest if the former president faces jail time.

Maher's suggestion comes after on May 30, a New York jury found Trump guilty on all 34 counts of falsifying business records related to hush money payments made to porn star Stormy Daniels. His sentencing is scheduled for July 11.

In the aftermath of his conviction, some Trump supporters have made violent threats, including calls for violence against left-wing individuals and suggestions that "somebody should take care of" the judge who oversaw the case.

Maher says sending Trump to prison will make 'MAGA nation go nuts'

In the recent episode, Maher speculated that sentencing the former president could potentially trigger a "race war."

"I mean, MAGA nation will go nuts, I don't know if that's a reason to or not to do something, but they will," Maher said.

"I've heard some people say if his name wasn't Donald Trump, he would definitely get jail time. But sending a former American president to jail, I don't know if that's something - I'm asking," he added.

Maher also noted, "A civil war in this country, I'm sorry to say, becomes a race war. That's the sad truth about this country."

"If they put him in jail, I mean, the first thing his supporters are gonna say is, "Oh, that's what it is. A Black district attorney. You know, all these people who are the district attorneys, they're Black. The judge was not White. This is what it is,"" he said. 

Angry Trump supporters have shared images of upside-down American flags, a symbol used by insurrectionists during the January 6, 2021 Capitol riot, leading many to question if a similar event might occur upon his sentencing.

Maher's guests say Trump in jail is a 'worrisome' prospect

As opposed to maher's claims, former Colorado Republican Congressman Ken Buck, a guest on the show, argued that it is unlikely Trump will face jail time, based on historical precedent.

Another guest, former Obama adviser David Axelrod said, "Listen, a lot of people in my tribe don't like it when I say this, but yeah, I think there is something about jailing a former president, especially on something like this."

"That is, to me, worrisome for our country. And I would really be shocked if this judge gave him a prison sentence for this," he continued.

Reportedly, the guilty verdict followed a five-week trial overseen by Judge Juan Merchan, during which prosecutors, led by Manhattan DA Alvin Bragg, presented dramatic evidence and questioned 22 witnesses.

Netizens unconvinced by Maher's 'race war' prediction 

Bill Maher's stark prediction about the potential fallout in the event Trump has to do time sparked a variety of opposing reactions across the political spectrum. 

One viewer noted online, "Bill has said a few good things that conservatives have latched onto and taken as a sign that he's a sensible man. But, at his very core, he is still a far left Democrat prone to say crazy things about Trump supporters. Maybe he just said the sensible things to expand his audience. I'm not completely convinced he actually believes them."

Another viewer said, "Yes... I mean at the end of the day ratings , are maher's God. as plainly shown here."

One viewer noted, "It would NOT be a “race” war, just conservatives v. insanity. I think the delusional Left might be shocked how large the percentage of minorities is that are absolutely fed up with the insanity. This social trend will stop, one way or the other."

A follower observed, "I completely disagree. If President Trump is acquitted on appeal or not sentenced to jail time, it will be a repeat of the democratic violence, looting, and occupation. Democrats are the party that goes mad, not Republicans."

One comment read, "What does race have to do with this. if anything Maher just planted that seed. that didn't news to be brought up. if there's a civil war over this. it will bout justice. the political system as it stands. more importantly. it'll be a war about common sense."

Another comment read, "I'm not going to be lectured to by a card carrying member of the establishment that is currently jailing their political opposition, rioting, looting, openly discriminating against yt people, and in general doing absolutely everything they project on to MAGA."

"Maher Is totally wrong about a “race war”. This is causing the democrats to hemorrhage even more minority support, and dems are the only ones who constantly see race in everything," explained one person.

One person on X said, "@billmaher would u please shut the f**k up."

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