Bill Maher Calls Artist Boycotts of Kennedy Center 'Stupid'

Comedian Bill Maher has criticized artists who have boycotted performances at the Kennedy Center in protest of actions taken by former President Donald Trump during his tenure. Maher, who recently received the Mark Twain Prize for American Humor at the venue, stated in an interview with ABC's Jonathan Karl that these boycotts are "so stupid" because they grant Trump an unwarranted victory.

"He doesn't own the Kennedy Center. He doesn't own comedy," Maher said, arguing that life and artistic expression should continue regardless of political figures. He compared the situation to the annual Kennedy Center Honors, suggesting that artists performing there are still participating in a prestigious American tradition that transcends any single individual.

According to NPR, a list of performers and artists who have withdrawn from Kennedy Center engagements includes the musical "Hamilton," actress Issa Rae, banjo player Béla Fleck, the San Francisco Ballet, cellist Seth Parker Woods, violinist Hilary Hahn, composer Philip Glass, Renée Fleming, Vocal Arts DC, the Brentano Quartet, the Seattle Children’s Theatre, the Martha Graham Dance Company, the Washington National Opera, and Sonia De Los Santos.

Maher, a frequent critic of Trump, also recounted his own experience with the Trump administration's attempt to hinder his acceptance of the Mark Twain Prize. He framed this as a challenge he embraced, stating, "I was like, ‘Game on.'"

The Kennedy Center Controversy

The dispute surrounding the Kennedy Center's name and board began shortly after Trump's second inauguration in February 2025. Trump appointed himself and his allies to the board, leading to his election as chairman. During this period, the center's name was altered to "Trump-Kennedy Center." However, U.S. District Judge Christopher Cooper ruled that renaming the venue would require an act of Congress. By June 13, workers had begun removing Trump's name from the building, which had previously been designated "The Donald J. Trump and John F. Kennedy Memorial Center For The Performing Arts."