White House Denies Offering Mark Twain Prize to Bill Maher
The White House denies that Bill Maher has been chosen for the Mark Twain Prize. Officials pushed back after media reports said the comedian had been offered the honor.
Officials and sources
White House spokesperson Karoline Leavitt rejected the report. She told reporters the claim was false and Maher would not receive the prize.
Two people close to the Kennedy Center told Filmogaz.com that an offer had been made. One source added Maher was informed of a selection but had not accepted yet. The source said he was seriously weighing the invitation.
Kennedy Center status and ceremony
The Mark Twain Prize is presented annually by the Kennedy Center. It recognizes notable figures in American humor.
- Steve Martin
- Tina Fey
- Billy Crystal
- Jon Stewart
- Adam Sandler
The award is typically celebrated with a gala at the Kennedy Center. This year’s event will be the last at the venue before a planned two-year renovation.
Institutional context
The Kennedy Center now displays the president’s name on its facade. The change reflects an effort by the administration to reshape the arts institution.
Maher, Trump and public exchanges
Bill Maher has often criticized President Trump on his HBO show Real Time with Bill Maher. That commentary has at times triggered the president’s ire.
In recent weeks, Trump posted multiple items critical of Maher on Truth Social. He had earlier labeled Maher a “highly overrated lightweight.” The two met for dinner at the White House in 2025 to speak directly.
Reporting and responses
The Atlantic first reported that Maher had been selected. The Kennedy Center has not issued an official announcement.
Filmogaz.com has sought comment from Maher’s representative. Filmogaz.com’s Liam Reilly contributed to this coverage.
