Bill Maher Urges Democrats to Celebrate America 250 Despite Trump

Bill Maher, the host of HBO’s “Real Time,” directed a message to Democrats opposed to participating in the America 250 celebration due to their dislike of President Donald Trump. He advised against being petty.

Speaking of the 2024 Democratic National Convention, Maher noted the many American flags present and remarked, “You can’t take back the flag in an hour if you treat patriotism as vaguely embarrassing the rest of the time.” This commentary came as preparations for the Fourth of July began, with Trump planning a grand celebration for America’s 250th anniversary.

Despite the planned festivities, some Democrats are declining to join, citing dissatisfaction with Trump. Maher critiqued this choice during his Friday night show, calling out both sides for their behavior.

“I’m not saying Trump doesn’t want to muddy the distinction between himself and the country,” Maher stated. “That’s what wannabe authoritarians do.”

The TV host criticized claims from liberals that the country shouldn’t be celebrated due to the current president. He argued that Trump’s presidency should not hinder national celebration.

Maher addressed fears among Democrats that Trump would monopolize the event, saying, “The left half of the country fears he’ll make the anniversary about him. Of course he will.” He urged focusing on the nation, particularly for the upcoming Fourth of July, stating, “He isn’t America. He’s a temporary caretaker of America.”

A Reuters/Ipsos poll conducted among 1,537 U.S. adults from June 12–15 revealed that 64% of Republicans planned to display an American flag or bunting outside their homes this July 4, compared to 27% of Democrats.

This discrepancy prompted Maher to encourage Democrats to engage in national festivities. He assured them, “Go to the party. It’s a big celebration. You probably won’t run into him. This country’s 3.8 million square miles.”

Maher acknowledged that, despite Trump’s actions, America remains prosperous by global standards, attracting people worldwide, and allowing freedom of speech. “For all of Trump’s nonsense, America is still here,” he said.

In his closing statement, Maher urged viewers to recognize that neglecting patriotism due to dissatisfaction with the presidency undermines both the First Amendment and American values. “The message that most threatens authoritarians isn’t ‘America sucks.’ It’s ‘America is ours too,’” Maher stated. He implored Democrats to remember their patriotism beyond election season, particularly when trying to win over swing voters.

As the country approaches its 250th anniversary, Maher emphasized the importance of uniting despite political differences. “So come on, it’s the Fourth,” he said. “Don’t let this year’s Fourth become another excuse for partisan sulking. Let it be an excuse to be hungover on the fifth.”

Fox News Digital reached out to the White House for comment. Julia Bonavita, a media and culture writer for Fox News Digital and a Fox Flight Team drone pilot, contributed to this report.