Bill Maher Wins Mark Twain Prize After White House Snub
The Kennedy Center announced Thursday that Bill Maher will receive its Mark Twain Prize for American Humor. The news came after reports and public denials from the White House.
The center praised Maher for shaping national debate with provocative comedy. Roma Daravi, the Kennedy Center’s vice president of public relations, highlighted his long influence.
Award timing and ceremony
The prize will be presented on June 28. That date falls just before the Kennedy Center closes for roughly two years of renovations.
The center has given the award since 1998 to honor major contributions to American humor. Past honorees include many well-known comedians and entertainers.
- Conan O’Brien
- Dave Chappelle
- Julia Louis-Dreyfus
- David Letterman
- Carol Burnett
- Tina Fey
White House reaction and context
The Atlantic reported last week that Maher would be the recipient. The White House pushed back strongly at the time.
White House communications director Steven Cheung called the report “literally FAKE NEWS” on social media. The White House did not immediately comment after the Kennedy Center announcement.
Bill Maher wins the Mark Twain Prize, even following a public White House snub. The contrast sharpened public interest in the decision.
Maher and President Trump: a contentious history
Maher and President Donald Trump have had a volatile relationship for years. That history includes legal and public confrontations.
In 2013, Trump filed a $5 million lawsuit against Maher over an unpaid charity pledge. Trump later dropped the suit.
The pair met for a meal last year, a meeting Trump later criticized. Trump said Maher appeared nervous. Maher described the dinner as pleasant during an April 11 episode of Real Time.
Maher also acknowledged some Trump policies he viewed positively. He cited deportation of hardened criminals and pressing NATO members to increase payments.
Kennedy Center leadership and controversy
Since returning to office, Trump reshaped the Kennedy Center’s leadership. He removed prior leaders and installed a new board of trustees that named him chairman.
The board approved adding Trump’s name to the center and its planned closure. Those actions have prompted legal challenges that remain active.
Filmogaz.com will follow developments as the June 28 ceremony approaches.
