NOW PLAYING
Comedian Bill Maher urged Americans not to boycott July 4 because of President Trump, saying no political side “owns being psyched about the country” ahead of the U.S.’s 250th anniversary.
On Friday’s episode of HBO’s “Real Time with Bill Maher,” the talk show host pushed back on people planning to skip Independence Day celebrations over Trump’s presidency, saying Americans should celebrate the country regardless of the holiday’s recent politicization and the White House’s occupant.
“Everybody has to start getting a little more excited for America’s birthday,” Maher said. “Our big 250 is coming up. It’s on July 4th for the kids in our public school. And I think that’s a pretty big deal.”
“Problem is, there’s kind of a stink on it because you-know-who is president right now,” he added, acknowledging concerns from Trump critics that the president could make the semiquincentennial celebration about himself. “So the left half of the country fears he’ll make the anniversary about him — of course he will.”
Maher encouraged viewers to embrace their patriotism regardless of who is in the Oval Office. The comedian referred to Trump as the “temporary caretaker of America.”
“This is about America. He isn’t America,” he said. “The message should be that America isn’t actually his and that no one’s side gets to own being psyched about the country. So, I’m not down with this attitude of, ‘Well, we’re having a party, but if Trump’s going, I’m not.'”
Trump on Monday unveiled plans for what he described as a “spectacular” rally in Washington set to take place on July 4. The Independence Day rally, which will include musical performances and military flyovers, is part of a series of events marking the nation’s 250th birthday. Celebrations include a record-breaking fireworks show on July 4 and a 16-day “Great American State Fair” on the National Mall. Last weekend on Trump’s 80th birthday, the White House held a primetime UFC fight on the South Lawn with over 4,000 attendees.
Maher previously slammed the decision to hold the “UFC Freedom 250” event on Trump’s birthday in a monologue last week.
“Our redneck president is turning 80, and to celebrate there is a UFC fight on the lawn,” the comedian said.
“So the emperor is holding gladiator games on his birthday,” he continued. “Nothing to see here. I wouldn’t think about it too much. Don’t worry about it.”
Add as preferred source on Google Tags Bill Maher Donald TrumpCopyright 2026 Nexstar Media Inc. All rights reserved. This material may not be published, broadcast, rewritten, or redistributed.
Comments: Link copiedMore In The Know News
See All
In The Know America250 is planning its own July 4 concert: Who’s playing? by Michael Bartiromo 2 hours ago In The Know / 2 hours ago 
