After last week’s guilty verdict, Real Time presenter Bill Maher debated whether former President Donald Trump ought to serve time in prison. Maher shared a small clip on Twitter with the caption , “Trump posted today, ‘IF THIS CAN HAPPEN TO ME, IT CAN HAPPEN TO ANYONE!’ I’ll remember that the next time I cheat on my third wife with a porn star and have to pay her off because I’m running for President.”
Trump posted today, “IF THIS CAN HAPPEN TO ME, IT CAN HAPPEN TO ANYONE!” I’ll remember that the next time I cheat on my third wife with a porn star and have to pay her off because I’m running for President. pic.twitter.com/HNMgQ6jMYk
— Bill Maher (@billmaher) June 1, 2024
In the clip, Maher stated, “Yeah, he’s pretty distraught and pissed off these days. But I gotta say, Don, if there was a silver line to this, you finally did something that made Stormy [Daniels] come.” He further added jokingly, “You know what they say: don’t do the porn star if you can’t do the time.”
I do not like Trump. It nauseates me that he’ll actually get the GOP nomination. As you aptly pointed out, he’s a man of very low moral character and a petulant narcissist. That said, I think deep down you agree that this “crime” which passed the statute of limitations some time…
— Michael V. Pearce (@ushistorynut) June 1, 2024
In addition, Maher addressed Trump by noting that his attorneys are planning to challenge the accusations and decisions. While mimicking Trump’s voice, the comic continued, “Their big talking point today is, ‘If they do it to me, this could happen to anyone.’ Yes, of course. I’ll have to remember that next time I’m cheating on my third wife with a porn star to pay her off when I’m running for president.”
I thought there was hope for Maher, I was wrong. Watching him promote his book on conservative shows just showed how out of touch with reality he is.
— Helen Overton (@manxie017) June 1, 2024
However, a great deal of criticism was directed at Maher’s post on X. One user wrote , “A terrible show tonight, not only is the comedic nature of this nights show complete overshadowed by the gravity of the events, but it undermines serious conversation’s about the future of the United States. In terms of guests, you could never find two more out of touch individuals. A Republican like @VivekGRamaswamy, @JDVance1 or even someone you had on before like @benshapiro, can easily provide you the answers you’re looking for, but it seems if you aren’t truly looking for them.”
Another user called his take ‘dumb’ and added , “Which one of your comedy writers wrote that one because you’re dumb as a brick and speechless without a platoon of comedy writers. Your head is also too big for your body. Not clever, not witty not even amusing ,Just a f-cking jerk off.” One more user jotted down , “Where is the crime Bill? I sort of thought you needed a crime to lock up a former president in prison before an election because he’s beating the other guy in the polls.”
Not helpful. Hurtful. Divisive.
— Alanis (@WhiteDogBabe) June 1, 2024
Meanwhile, there was a deluge of demands for revolution, violent revenge, and rioting on pro-Trump websites from the real estate mogul’s supporters, who were outraged by his conviction on 34 criminal charges by a New York jury. Numerous violent internet statements were made by Trump’s fans in response to his conviction, making him the first President of the United States to face such a fate.
Remember when you were funny? Me neither!
— PA Marine (@PAMarine412) June 1, 2024
According to NBC News , Advance Democracy President Daniel J. Jones stated, “We are continuing to see a dangerous erosion of democratic norms. Trump and his allies have been spreading disinformation about the trial, challenging Justice Merchan’s impartiality, and describing the entire process as ‘rigged’ for weeks. As such, it’s not a surprise that some of his most fervent supporters are now calling for doxxing and violence against jurors, the judge, and the district attorney.” The need for political leaders to ‘speak out against the disinformation Trump is spreading, as well as the calls for violence he’s inspiring’ has been highlighted by Jones, who said that internet activity has been on the rise after Trump’s guilty judgment.