Bill Maher to Receive Mark Twain Prize Amid Kennedy Center Controversy

Comedian Bill Maher will be honored with the Mark Twain Prize for American Humor on Sunday at the Kennedy Center. This award, given since 1998, celebrates major contributions to humor and commentary. Maher’s influential work, notably his show ‘Politically Incorrect’ from the 1990s, was highlighted by the Kennedy Center in March when announcing the award. Previous recipients include notable figures like Conan O’Brien, Dave Chappelle, and Julia Louis-Dreyfus.

Several celebrities, including Woody Harrelson, Arianna Huffington, and Jay Leno, are expected to attend the ceremony. However, President Donald Trump, who has been reshaping the Kennedy Center, will not be present.

Turmoil at the Kennedy Center

The Kennedy Center, traditionally nonpartisan, is in a period of turmoil. After Trump returned to the White House in January 2025, he replaced much of the center’s leadership and reshaped the board with allies. His efforts to add his name to the building faced legal challenges. U.S. District Judge Christopher Cooper ordered Trump’s name removed and blocked a planned closure for renovations.

The legal challenges surrounding Trump’s actions with the Kennedy Center could generate humor at the upcoming gala.

The Trump administration’s plans, including those to close the center in July for renovations, are currently on hold. While the building complies with the judge’s order to remove Trump’s name, the area once covered by it is now hidden by a tarp.

Contentious History Between Maher and Trump

Maher’s award is noteworthy given his fraught history with Trump. In 2013, Trump filed a $5 million lawsuit against Maher after a joke on ‘The Tonight Show.’ Trump later dropped the lawsuit. The two clashed again when Trump alleged that Maher was nervous during a meal at the Oval Office, a claim Maher denied on his show ‘Real Time.’

Maher has criticized and occasionally supported some of Trump’s policies. In his ‘New Rules’ segment, he praised initiatives like the “mass removal of stone cold criminals” and NATO members paying “their fair share.” Recently, Maher interviewed Vice President JD Vance, questioning him on several issues, including election conspiracy theories.

Maher’s Award Faced Initial Resistance

The announcement of Maher’s award underwent drama after The Atlantic reported it in March. The White House initially denied the possibility, calling the news “fake.” Despite initial denials, further discussions between the Kennedy Center and event organizers led to Maher’s recognition.

Other celebrities attending the event have mixed relationships with Trump. Arianna Huffington and Stephen A. Smith have publicly clashed with Trump over the years. Smith, anticipated at the event, criticized Trump attending the NBA Finals, labeling the act as “selfish” and “narcissistic.”