Bill Maher Credits Trump's 'Badass' Image for Crime Drop
The talk show host suggested that former President Trump's aggressive persona may have deterred criminal activity.
Talk show host Bill Maher attributed a significant decrease in crime across the United States, in part, to former President Donald Trump's public image, which he described as a "f--- around and find out president."
On his HBO show "Real Time with Bill Maher," the host discussed the notable drops in national crime rates. Maher suggested that Trump's "macho image" played a role in this decline. "It’s just childish to pretend that when you elect a ‘f— around and find out’ president, a ‘no more Mr. Nice Guy-booting-your-ass-V-for-vendetta-kick-ass—and-take-names-say-hello-to-my-little-friend’ president, that’s not going to have some effect on crime," Maher stated.
Maher also acknowledged other factors contributing to the reduction in crime. He pointed to increased surveillance, noting that "you can’t move two inches in America without being tracked, photographed, and followed by a flock camera.” He also credited the expansion of the social safety net by Democrats, suggesting it leads to fewer desperate individuals. However, he circled back to Trump, calling him a "badass" and suggesting his tough persona sent a message to criminals. Maher did express reservations about some of Trump's methods, citing the deportation of individuals to countries with which they have no connection.
Maher displayed a headline about a "Great Crime Decline," noting that FBI data showed violent crime in 2025 reaching its lowest level since 1969. The decline, which began in 2022 under the Biden administration and continued into Trump's presidency, was also attributed by the article Maher referenced to policing strategies in cities like Baltimore, low unemployment rates, and federal investments in state and local governments that started during the pandemic.
To illustrate his point about Trump's persona, Maher mentioned that the former president hosted "UFC fights on the lawn" at the White House, adding, "I think the bad guys got the message."