On Friday’s episode of HBO’s Real Time, host Bill Maher surprised many viewers with a striking admission: despite his many disagreements with President Donald Trump, he acknowledged Trump’s unprecedented support for Israel and the Jewish people. In his closing monologue, Maher took direct aim at the political immaturity and outrage culture that dominates modern discourse, particularly when it comes to engaging with those on the other side of the political aisle.
Maher began by calling out critics who were upset that he had dinner with President Trump, describing their reaction as “childish” and “purely emotional.” He rejected the comparison of Trump to Hitler, saying such rhetoric is “unhelpful and dumb.” Maher continued, “Trump is the most supportive President Israel and the Jews ever had,” making it clear that personal grievances should not outweigh the importance of dialogue and truth.
This statement reflects Trump’s record on key issues related to Israel. As president, Trump recognized Jerusalem as Israel’s capital, moved the U.S. Embassy there, brokered the historic Abraham Accords between Israel and multiple Arab nations, and cut funding to anti-Israel entities like UNRWA. These actions stood in stark contrast to prior administrations and earned Trump strong support among many Jewish and pro-Israel communities.
Maher, a self-described liberal, noted that Trump governs largely through personal relationships rather than bureaucratic processes. “He’s a people guy,” Maher said. “Trust me, he’s not at home at night poring over the briefing books.” He cited examples of Trump’s impulsive but personable leadership style, such as reversing his position on the CEO of Intel after a face-to-face meeting, and backing off from deploying the National Guard to San Francisco after a conversation changed his mind.
Maher’s remarks underscore a growing recognition that political reality often defies partisan narrative. Despite relentless attacks from the left, President Trump’s actions on key international issues—particularly his steadfast alliance with Israel—continue to resonate.
