During the "Overtime" segment of HBO’s *Real Time* on Friday, host Bill Maher criticized media outlets for distorting former President Donald Trump's remarks, which some headlines claimed were a call for the execution of former Rep. Liz Cheney. Maher argued that this portrayal was misleading, saying, “I woke up today
to the headline that Trump had called for a firing squad for Liz Cheney. And this is what I really don’t like about the media. No, he didn’t.” He added that there’s no need to exaggerate Trump’s statements to influence public opinion, noting, "You don’t have to move me to not like Donald Trump more than I already do.”
Maher went on to suggest that Trump’s rhetoric, although often provocative, wasn’t necessarily unique to him, commenting that “the spirit of it is something that if someone with a blue hat said it, people would nod along on the left.” Rep. Jamie Raskin (D-MD) agreed with Maher, also noting that Trump’s words had been misrepresented.
Maher elaborated that Trump’s remarks about Cheney focused on foreign policy, adding, “Of course, he expresses himself horribly. He has to add she’s a stupid person, because he’s a moron.”
Rep. Jamie Raskin sarcastically remarked, “Well, Trump knows what it’s really like from Vietnam.” Maher responded, “Okay. But just to be clear, this is exactly what hippies always said. It’s the same sentiment as in the song *Fortunate Son*—it’s easy to sit in your building and send young men to die.” He referenced Ukraine, suggesting that the war may not be progressing well, adding, “Just don’t lie to me. I don’t like Donald Trump, but don’t tell me he called for her in front of a firing squad. Some of what he said is similar to what anti-war advocates used to say, minus the insults.”
Raskin agreed, calling the media’s portrayal “ridiculous and counterproductive,” but noted that Trump had never previously criticized war hawks. Maher clarified he wasn’t defending Trump but simply saying, “Don’t lie to me.”
Raskin concurred, calling the misrepresentation “a distortion.” Maher continued, “The spirit of it is something that, if someone with a blue hat said it, people on the left would nod along.” Raskin acknowledged Maher’s media critique but noted that violence and threats have increased.
Maher added that discussions involving threats, like pointing guns, are not what a president should say and argued that people’s fixation on mainstream media is outdated, given the proliferation of media sources.