The comedian was quick to defend Trump and told his audience to “be fair” to the president. Bill Maher has defended President Donald Trump’s incendiary suggestion that Iran could “take down Los Angeles.” Trump defended higher gas prices this week as a “small price to pay” to keep Americans safe, later saying, “Take down Los Angeles. Take down San Diego.” Outrage followed, as Trump insisted he was invoking the cities as examples of what a nuclear-armed Iran could attack, saying higher fuel costs were preferable to destruction. Maher corroborated Trump’s defense on his show Friday, saying, “Let’s be fair.” He said the “small price” the president was referring to was high gasoline prices. “I wasn’t saying we were rooting for Iran,” Maher said, defending the president. “But still, you don’t want to say that to the people of this town. We live here.” Los Angeles Mayor Karen Bass was among California Democrats who denounced Trump’s oversight. He called the comments horrible and “egregious,” saying the president should not treat major American cities as expendable. Maher, 70, mocked Bass for his response, saying: “He immediately got on the phone with his travel agent.” That appears to refer to his trip to Ghana during the devastating Los Angeles fires in January 2025. Subscribe to the Obsessed newsletter. Get the best of Obsessed delivered straight to your inbox. Maher has received criticism for softening Trump’s public image in the past. He described the president as “polite and measured” on an April 11 episode of Real Time, referring to Trump’s behavior during a White House dinner that Maher attended. Actor Bill Maher and Donald Trump attend the 56th annual Primetime Emmy Awards in Los Angeles in 2004. Kevin Winter/Getty Images However, the comedian also regularly attacks Trump, and did so again on Friday. Discussing the upcoming midterm elections, he noted that Trump has become so unpopular that he is forced to campaign in states where “no Republicans normally have to campaign,” such as Nebraska, Oklahoma and ruby-red Alabama. He called it “that moment when we give money,” referring to Trump’s promises of $90 checks to people on Medicare, $500 checks to people on Obamacare and $5,000 to every American if Republicans somehow maintain control of Congress in November. “I guess this is what kids call being thirsty,” Maher joked. Obsessed with pop culture and entertainment? Follow us on Substack and YouTube for even more coverage. Unlock one year of full access to The Daily Beast for $35.What’s includedUnlimited access (web + app)Exclusive ad-free newslettersComment accessDaily crosswordSneak peek at releases and eventsAutomatic renewal for $5.99 per month. Cancel anytimeWhat’s includedDiscounted annual rate – save 47%Unlimited access (web + app)Exclusive ad-free newslettersComment accessDaily crosswordSneak peek at releases and eventsAutomatic renewal for $59.99/year. Cancel anytimeBest valueWhat’s includedDiscounted annual feeFull access to the Daily Beast Substack ($60 value)*Premium ad-free readingUnlimited access (web + app)Exclusive ad-free newslettersCommentary accessDaily crosswordSpoiler for releases and eventsAutomatic renewal for $119.99/year. Cancel anytime*Access to Substack provided by the next business day, using your subscription email. Choosing the Premium plan constitutes your permission to share your subscription email with Substack and your acceptance of Substack’s Privacy Policy. It looks like you already have a subscription! It’s ready! Thanks for subscribing. Back to Plans Subscription $0.00 Total $0.00 Continue with Google Continue with Facebook Loading subscription options Sign up below to read this article for free, or subscribe to unlock unlimited access to The Daily Beast. Subscribe Register What’s included Unlimited access (web + app)Exclusive ad-free newslettersAccess to commentsDaily crosswordSneak peek of releases and eventsAutomatic renewal at $5.99 per month. Cancel anytimeWhat’s includedDiscounted annual rate – save 47%Unlimited access (web + app)Exclusive ad-free newslettersComment accessDaily crosswordSneak peek at releases and eventsAutomatic renewal for $59.99/year. Cancel anytimeBest valueWhat’s includedDiscounted annual feeFull access to the Daily Beast Substack ($60 value)*Premium ad-free readingUnlimited access (web + app)Exclusive ad-free newslettersCommentary accessDaily crosswordSpoiler for releases and eventsAutomatic renewal for $119.99/year. Cancel anytime*Access to Substack provided by the next business day, using your subscription email. Choosing the Premium plan constitutes your permission to share your subscription email with Substack and your acceptance of Substack’s Privacy Policy. Do you already have an account? Sign in It looks like you already have a subscription! You’re ready! Thanks for subscribing. Back to plans Subscription $0.00 Total $0.00 Continue with Google Continue with Facebook Loading subscription options
