Bill Maher scolded members of his own studio crowd after they laughed at the idea of Donald Trump being assassinated during last week’s White House Correspondents’ Dinner.
Cole Tomas Allen is facing charges including attempted assassination of the President of the United States, using a firearm during a crime of violence, and transporting a firearm across state lines with the intent to commit a felony after allegedly forcing his way into the White House Correspondents’ Association (WHCA) gala.
Video from the evening appeared to show Trump and Vice President JD Vance quickly moved out of harm’s way as Secret Service agents escorted them to safety.
Maher — a longtime critic of Trump — addressed the incident on a recent episode of Real Time with Bill Maher.
“If you’re one of these people who watched that and was disappointed the president wasn’t killed,” the host said, prompting audible laughter from parts of the audience.
“See, they’re laughing at that… You’re not a good person or a smart person,” Maher responded.
He continued on the HBO show: “Certainly, Trump has often not been good, decent or kind. But he’s not Hitler!”
Maher also argued against the notion that political violence would calm divisions in the country, saying: “I don’t think you’re a good person, I wouldn’t want to be the person who thinks that way. Also, it’s just not smart.
“You think that’s gonna solve the problem?… MAGA’s not gonna die!
“We tried impeaching, that didn’t work. We tried going to the courts, that didn’t work. The only way this actually works: it’s happening. His popularity is at the lowest level it is, even among his core supporters.”
The pair’s long-running back-and-forth flared up again on Saturday (May 2), after Trump shared a post on Truth Social following the broadcast of Maher’s interview with California Governor Gavin Newsom.
“I hate seeing Fox, and other Conservative Outlets, constantly making Low Rated Bill Maher ‘relevant’ as it pertains to the Republican Party, and beyond,” Trump wrote.
“Fox should stop putting this person on. He’s not representing us. You look weak, stupid, and ineffective, and I hate seeing that.”
Trump also brought up a private dinner he previously had with Maher at the White House last year, suggesting it had initially been cordial despite their political differences.
However, Trump has since claimed Maher was ‘nervous, scared, and the first words he uttered as he entered the Oval Office were, ‘Can I have a drink?’ It was very endearing but, at the same time, absolutely pathetic’.
Maher’s representatives have been contacted for comment.