Bill Maher Says Trump Feels Betrayed After Maher Received Kennedy Center Award Despite Administration Opposition

During an interview on ABC's "This Week," comedian Bill Maher said President Donald Trump feels betrayed because Maher refused to switch political sides after their 2025 dinner, even while accepting the Mark Twain Prize for American Humor at the Kennedy Center.

The Trump administration initially attempted to stop Maher from receiving the award, and the two had traded barbs ahead of the ceremony. Maher attributed the renewed tension directly to that refusal.

On his "Club Random" podcast in April, Maher said he respected Trump's effort to block the award. "I love that, you know, he takes the game seriously. I respect the move," he said. The award is scheduled to proceed on June 28 at the Kennedy Center.

"He was just mad at me because I went to his house for dinner with no guarantee that I would leave," Maher said. "Yes, because now he feels betrayed, which is silly because there was never a deal." He defended the meeting by noting he had reported honestly that the experience was not terrible from a man who has done some terrible things.

Maher also stated he could vote for a Republican such as Vice President JD Vance in 2028 if the Democratic opponent receives support from the Democratic Socialists of America. Fox News reported the remarks and reached out to the White House for comment.