Bill Maher Takes Big Risk With Donald Trump 9/11 Anniversary Jokes on 'Real Time'

Bill Maher didn't hesitate to push boundaries on the latest broadcast of his HBO talk show *Real Time*. The veteran comedian kicked off his opening monologue with a pair of topical jokes centered on the 25th anniversary of September 11, relying on political satire to land the risky humor with his live studio crowd. While tackling a sensitive national milestone can be a minefield for late-night comedy, Maher aimed his commentary directly at political figures rather than the tragedy itself. The approach proved effective with his in-house audience, who responded with loud laughter as the host delivered his opening set.

Maher set up his first major punchline by pointing out the notable roster of political leaders gathering in New York City. He highlighted how past commanders-in-chief Barack Obama, Joe Biden, George W. Bush, and Bill Clinton all assembled at Ground Zero in Lower Manhattan to mark the somber occasion. However, Maher quickly shifted focus to Donald Trump's decision to skip the New York gathering. Instead of joining his fellow former presidents at the World Trade Center site, Trump traveled to Washington, D.C., to participate in a separate remembrance event held at the Pentagon alongside Pete Hegseth.

BUZZBEAT

During the segment, Maher framed the solemnity of the national remembrance before dropping his unexpected punchline. He described the significance of honoring the lives lost at both the Pentagon and the World Trade Center before poking fun at Trump's foreign policy rhetoric. Maher joked to the crowd that while speaking at the Pentagon, Trump declared that the country would never forget who launched the attacks on that day, before absurdly claiming the assailant was Canada. The absurd line triggered a massive wave of laughter from the studio audience, leading Maher to briefly hold his hand to his face and smile at the raucous reaction before moving forward with his show.