WASHINGTON – Comedian Bill Maher will be awarded the prestigious Mark Twain Prize for American Humor on Sunday in what might be one of the last major onstage moments at the Kennedy Center for the next several years.
The Mark Twain Prize has been presented since 1998, recognizing individuals who have made significant contributions to humor and commentary in the United States. In announcing the honor in March, the Kennedy Center described Maher as someone who has long influenced American comedy “one politically incorrect joke at a time.” This reference points to his influential late-night show “Politically Incorrect,” which he hosted for much of the 1990s, propelling him to prominence.
Previous winners of this esteemed award include notable figures such as Conan O’Brien, Dave Chappelle, Julia Louis-Dreyfus, David Letterman, Carol Burnett, and Tina Fey. Celebrities like Woody Harrelson, Arianna Huffington, and Jay Leno are expected to attend the ceremony on Sunday evening.
Interestingly, President Donald Trump, who has significantly influenced the Kennedy Center’s direction during his second term, is not expected to be present at the event.
The awards ceremony comes at a politically charged moment for the Kennedy Center, known for being one of the few relatively nonpartisan institutions in Washington. Shortly after Trump returned to the White House in January 2025, he dismissed much of the center’s leadership and installed a board largely composed of allies. Trump was named chairman, and his name was added to the building’s iconic facade, sparking a legal battle over the extent of presidential power.
In an unexpected turn, U.S. District Judge Christopher Cooper intervened by ruling that Trump’s name was added to the building illegally, which prompted an order for its removal. He has also blocked the Kennedy Center’s planned closure for renovations.
This ongoing legal saga has become a rich source of material that Maher could potentially draw from during his award acceptance speech. Currently, the area where Trump’s name once adorned the building is covered by a tarp, as the full closure remains on hold. Lawyers for the Kennedy Center have indicated they are not planning any new programming for the foreseeable future.
“The Court’s order did not affirmatively require the Board to reschedule programming that had previously been cancelled or to seek new programming,” the lawyers stated in a recent court filing.
Judge Cooper has requested an update next month on the tarp situation. The final event scheduled at the Kennedy Center’s Concert Hall is “The Freedom Gathering: A Musical Celebration” on July 3.
Maher and Trump have had a complicated relationship over the years, which adds another layer of intrigue to Maher receiving this award. In 2013, before Trump entered politics, he filed a $5 million lawsuit against Maher for breach of contract after Maher jokingly offered to donate that sum to charity if Trump could prove he was not “the spawn of his mother having sex with an orangutan.”
The lawsuit was eventually dropped by Trump. More recently, their relationship flared up again when Trump claimed on social media that he regretted having dinner with Maher.
Despite their tumultuous history, Maher has continued to engage with political figures, including Vice President JD Vance, who recently appeared on Maher’s show. Vance shared that he often laughs at Maher’s commentary, even when he is the subject of it.
During the interview, Maher pressed Vance on various pressing issues, demonstrating his commitment to engaging in meaningful dialogue despite differing political views.
Given the backdrop of political tensions and the legal complexities surrounding the Kennedy Center, Maher’s selection for the Mark Twain Prize is significant. After initial resistance from the White House against Maher’s recognition, further conversations between the Kennedy Center and event organizers led to a resolution.
Other celebrities attending the ceremony have had their own complicated histories with Trump, reflecting the often contentious relationship between the entertainment industry and political figures. Maher’s ability to navigate these complexities while continuing to provide incisive commentary speaks to his enduring relevance in American comedy.
