{
  "id": 9892931,
  "title": "Bill Maher Draws Big Response From Studio Audience After Calling Trump an ‘Arch-Criminal’",
  "url": "https://urgent.news/2026/09/26/bill-maher-draws-big-response-from-studio-audience-after-calling",
  "topic": "culture",
  "section": "Culture",
  "published": "2026-09-26T03:00:22.000Z",
  "source": {
    "name": "TheWrap",
    "slug": "thewrap",
    "url": "https://www.thewrap.com/creative-content/tv-shows/bill-maher-studio-audience-reacts-trump-arch-criminal-joke/"
  },
  "original_language": "en",
  "account": "On Friday's episode of \"Real Time\" with Bill Maher, the comedian took several jabs at former President Donald Trump during his monologue. Maher referenced Trump's recent visit with Chinese President Xi Jinping in Washington, D.C., mocking Trump's obsession with showcasing his renovation projects, including the addition of a Triumphal Arch. Maher said Trump \"thinks that Xi could give a f--k about being his friend,\" highlighting that Trump focused on personal details, such as the improved limo drop-off spot and helipad, rather than discussing substantial matters. The comedian also criticized the Trump administration for being fixated on \"redecorating,\" stating, \"It's the most macho and the gayest administration ever.\" The timing of Maher's comments led to a positive response from the studio audience, which cheered and applauded Maher's remarks. Maher clarified that his jokes were meant lightheartedly, emphasizing their joking tone. The complex relationship between Maher and Trump, which has been tense to varying degrees, was further highlighted by the joke, with Maher noting that \"If anybody knows about an arch-criminal, it's Donald Trump.\"",
  "summary": "\"I kid. It's always with love, everybody,\" the comedian notes as the crowd loudly cheers The post Bill Maher Draws Big Response From Studio Audience After Calling Trump an ‘Arch-Criminal’ appeared first on TheWrap .",
  "key_points": [
    "Bill Maher mocks Trump's obsession with renovation projects during his monologue.",
    "Studio audience cheers Maher's jokes about Trump being an \"arch-criminal.\"",
    "Maher clarifies his remarks were lighthearted, referencing Trump's complex relationship."
  ],
  "editors_take": "Bill Maher's pointed criticism of Donald Trump resonated with his studio audience, reinforcing his reputation as a provocative commentator willing to tackle contentious subjects with humor.",
  "illustration": null,
  "coverage": {
    "outlets": 1,
    "also_reported_by": []
  },
  "ai_generated": true,
  "disclaimer": "Summaries, key points and the editor’s take are written by software from other outlets’ reporting and may contain errors — always check the linked original."
}