Bill Maher to Receive Mark Twain Prize Amid Kennedy Center Controversy

Comedian Bill Maher is set to receive the Mark Twain Prize for American Humor at the Kennedy Center. The honor recognizes influential figures in American humor and commentary since 1998. Maher gained fame as the host of “Politically Incorrect” in the 1990s. Past recipients of the award include Conan O’Brien, Dave Chappelle, and Julia Louis-Dreyfus.

Woody Harrelson, Arianna Huffington, and Jay Leno are expected to attend the award ceremony. President Donald Trump, who has been involved in reshaping the Kennedy Center, will not be present. After returning to the presidency in January 2025, Trump replaced much of the center’s leadership with allies. His name was added to the building’s facade, causing a legal dispute over presidential powers.

U.S. District Judge Christopher Cooper ruled Trump’s name was added illegally and ordered its removal, blocking the planned closure for renovations. The Kennedy Center has not scheduled new programming, and the timeline for removing the tarp covering the facade is uncertain. The Concert Hall’s last event is set for July 3.

Maher and Trump have a complex history. Trump sued Maher for $5 million in 2013 over a breach of contract related to a joke about Trump’s heritage. The lawsuit was later dropped. Recently, Trump accused Maher of being nervous during a White House dinner, but Maher refuted the claim. On his show, Maher praised some Trump policies while questioning others.

Maher recently hosted Vice President JD Vance, discussing topics like immigration and election integrity. Vance, promoting his book, shared he enjoys Maher’s humor despite criticism. The announcement of Maher’s award faced backlash from the White House, which initially denied the report. The situation changed following discussions with the Kennedy Center.

Other celebrities attending the event have contentious relationships with Trump. Arianna Huffington and Stephen A. Smith have both criticized the president. Smith, an attendee, recently criticized Trump for appearing at an NBA Finals event, calling the action selfish and narcissistic.