Comedian Bill Maher, during his show 'Real Time,' has humorously suggested that international visitors, particularly athletes, who enthusiastically embrace American culture during events like the FIFA World Cup should be considered for honorary U.S. citizenship. Maher pointed to Norwegian soccer star Erling Haaland as a prime example.
Maher highlighted viral videos of World Cup fans expressing delight over common American experiences, such as visiting Costco or appreciating air-conditioned stadiums. He suggested these interactions serve as a reminder to Americans of their country's often-unrecognized positive attributes. "They are reminding Americans this place is kind of awesome," Maher remarked, according to Fox News.
Specifically, Maher referenced a video shared by Haaland, a player for Manchester City. The footage showed Haaland on a boat in Norway, hitting biodegradable golf balls into the water while listening to American country music artist Ella Langley. Maher characterized the scene as quintessentially American, playfully noting only minor deviations like the use of Celsius for temperature and the Norwegian fjords.
"It might be time to have a discussion about giving Erling Haaland honorary U.S. citizenship," Maher stated. He compared it to colleges awarding honorary doctorates. He also proposed this honor for individuals who demonstrate an affinity for "all things American," such as enjoying American food, listening to country music, or even appreciating items like taxidermied raccoons, referencing another instance of Haaland.
Maher concluded that while honorary citizens might not gain voting rights or hold office, they would earn the respect of "born-and-bred Americans" and could wear American-themed apparel without appearing inauthentic.