Bill Maher to Receive Mark Twain Prize Amid Kennedy Center Turmoil

On Sunday, comedian Bill Maher will receive the Mark Twain Prize for American Humor at the Kennedy Center. This prize honors individuals who have significantly contributed to American humor and commentary since 1998. Maher is recognized for influencing comedy in the U.S., notably through his politically charged show “Politically Incorrect” from the 1990s.

Previous recipients of the award include Conan O’Brien, Dave Chappelle, Julia Louis-Dreyfus, and David Letterman, highlighting its prestige. Celebrities such as Woody Harrelson, Arianna Huffington, and Jay Leno are expected to attend the ceremony. President Donald Trump, who has been reshaping the Kennedy Center during his second term, will not be present.

The award ceremony comes amid challenges for the Kennedy Center, traditionally a nonpartisan institution in Washington. After Trump resumed office in January 2025, he fired much of the leadership and appointed a board of allies, even becoming its chairman. His name was controversially added to the building’s facade, leading to a legal battle over presidential authority.

In May, U.S. District Judge Christopher Cooper ruled that Trump’s name was illegally added to the building, ordering its removal and blocking its planned closure in July for renovations. Lawyers for the Kennedy Center stated they have no current plans to build new programming. A tarp now covers part of the building where Trump’s name once stood, pending further updates next month.

Maher’s award selection is notable due to his long-standing contentious relationship with Trump. Trump sued Maher for breach of contract in 2013, demanding $5 million after Maher jokingly claimed on “The Tonight Show” he’d donate that amount if Trump proved he wasn’t born from an orangutan. Trump dropped the lawsuit.

Earlier this year, their relationship soured again when Trump criticized Maher on social media after a dinner meeting. Trump described Maher as nervous and lacking confidence, while Maher refuted being scared and praised Trump’s graciousness.

Maher discussed his views on Trump’s policies during his show “Real Time,” agreeing with Trump’s immigration enforcement and NATO policies but underscoring the need for honesty in elections. Maher recently hosted Vice President JD Vance, who laughed at Maher’s jokes.

In March, The Atlantic leaked Maher’s award, leading to backlash from the White House. Communications director Steven Cheung and press secretary Karoline Leavitt labeled the report “fake news” until further discussions confirmed Maher’s award.

Other celebrities at the ceremony also have complicated histories with Trump. Arianna Huffington and Trump have feuded intermittently, and Stephen A. Smith, attending the event, criticized Trump for attending the NBA Finals in New York, calling it “selfish” and “narcissistic.”