Bill Maher receives Mark Twain Prize

Bill Maher, a prominent political comedian and host of 'Real Time with Bill Maher', will receive the prestigious Mark Twain Prize for American Humor from the Kennedy Center on June 28. This announcement comes after a public dispute where the United States — White House, through Press Secretary Karoline Leavitt and Communications Director Steven Cheung, initially denied reports from The Atlantic and CNN that Maher would receive the award, labeling them 'fake news'. The Kennedy Center later confirmed the award, leading to a retraction from the United States — White House. Donald Trump, who has a long-standing tense relationship with Maher, including a past lawsuit and recent criticisms on Truth Social, has been actively overhauling the Kennedy Center, replacing board members and installing himself as chair. The award ceremony will be broadcast by Netflix and will be one of the Kennedy Center's last public events before it closes for a two-year renovation.