Bill Maher kicked off his “Real Time” monologue on Friday night by expressing solidarity with those planning to protest against President Donald Trump. However, he also pointed fingers at liberals for Trump’s election victory in the first place.
The Trump administration has organized a grand military parade for Saturday to commemorate the U.S. Army’s 250th anniversary, coincidentally falling on Trump’s 79th birthday. The parade will showcase tanks, fighter jet flyovers, and nearly 7,000 troops.
“I’ll be glued to the TV,” Maher remarked on Friday. “I don’t think having tanks on the streets is a good idea, but that’s what’s happening, and understandably, many people are unhappy about it.”
Maher went on to mention the planned “No Kings Nationwide Day of Defiance” protests in over 2,000 cities, criticizing liberals for not showing the same level of enthusiasm during elections.
Despite his criticism, Maher seemed to resonate with the “No Kings” sentiment. He commented on Trump’s unveiling of a “Trump card,” which foreign nationals can purchase for $5 million to gain citizenship, calling it a “king-like” move.
The military parade on Saturday is set to begin at 6:30 p.m. EST and will feature celebrations of various Army eras throughout history. It comes at a tense time, with Trump deploying National Guard troops and Marines to Los Angeles amid anti-ICE protests and ongoing immigration crackdowns.
Former U.S. military officials are reportedly concerned about the optics of the parade, fearing potential clashes between protesters and armed forces akin to a “Tiananmen Square moment.”
Overall, Maher’s commentary reflects a mix of criticism, humor, and concern over the military display and political climate under Trump’s administration.
[Image Credit: Alex Brandon/Associated Press]
