Comedian Bill Maher stated that he views NPR as part of the "far extreme of the left," expressing surprise at being invited onto the network's "Newsmakers" podcast for an interview with Steve Inskeep. Maher, known for his critiques of both political parties, suggested that while he frequently criticizes Republicans, he does not refrain from criticizing the left.
During the interview, Maher defended his decision to invite comedian Louis C.K. to his Kennedy Center event, where he received the Mark Twain Prize for American Humor. Maher argued that the country's methods of punishing offenders are inconsistent, pointing to instances where individuals are criticized or fired for actions deemed less severe than those of Hamas operatives.
Inskeep suggested that NPR's audience might be more diverse than Maher perceived. "I'm surprised you even had me on," Maher responded, adding that he believed NPR had changed significantly from its past. He advocated for engaging with arguments rather than dismissing individuals, stating that neither political extreme in the country currently engages in this manner.
Maher has previously criticized NPR, particularly in March 2025, following testimony by NPR CEO Katherine Maher before Congress. During a segment on his HBO show, Maher questioned the CEO's assertion that NPR was "unbiased," calling the outlet "crazy far-left."
In the same 2025 segment, Maher also questioned the necessity of federal subsidies for outlets like NPR and PBS, especially in the current polarized political climate. He argued that such public funding was more appropriate for a time when Democrats and Republicans did not view each other as existential threats, suggesting these outlets should now be privately funded.
NPR faced potential funding cuts in 2025 when Congress voted to rescind $1.1 billion in previously approved funding for public media in July of that year.