Bill Maher to receive Mark Twain Prize despite earlier White House denial

Bill Maher is set to receive one of the nation’s top comedy honors, the Mark Twain Prize for American Humor, despite recent denials from the White House that he would be recognized.

The John F. Kennedy Center for the Performing Arts announced Thursday that Maher will be honored on June 28, just ahead of a planned two-year renovation of the venue.

The announcement comes after White House officials previously dismissed reports of Maher receiving the award, calling them inaccurate. The confirmation now puts those claims to rest.

Maher, best known for hosting Real Time with Bill Maher, has long been a prominent voice in political and cultural commentary. His sharp, often controversial humor has made him both influential and polarizing.

In a statement, Maher joked about the honor, comparing it to an Emmy “except I win,” while also referencing the legacy of Mark Twain, for whom the award is named.

The Mark Twain Prize recognizes individuals who have had a lasting impact on American comedy. Past recipients include major names like Steve Martin, Tina Fey, Jon Stewart, and Adam Sandler.

Maher’s relationship with President Donald Trump has been complicated. While the two have publicly criticized each other, they also met for dinner at the White House in 2025—an encounter that drew attention from both supporters and critics.

The upcoming ceremony is expected to bring together top figures in entertainment to celebrate Maher’s decades-long influence on comedy and public discourse.

Explore: NBCPalmSprings.com, where we are connecting the Valley.