Bill Maher Condemns Liberal Hypocrisy in Pope-Trump Conflict
Bill Maher has launched a scathing critique of what he termed 'hypocritical' liberals for their sudden admiration of Pope Leo XIV during his escalating feud with former President Donald Trump. The late-night host addressed the headline-dominating clash on his HBO programme Real Time, highlighting the political opportunism he perceives among progressive commentators.
Maher's Critique of Selective Praise
'I love hypocritical America. I really do,' Maher declared, breaking his silence on the ongoing confrontation. While typically critical of Trump, the comedian redirected his fire toward liberals who have embraced the Pope solely because of his opposition to the former president. 'See, liberals suddenly love the Pope,' Maher observed. 'The Pope, who two weeks ago was all in the headlines. You know why? Exorcisms.'
He elaborated on this point, noting the pontiff's conservative stances: 'Yeah, that's who the f***ing Pope is. Okay? A guy who does exorcism, doesn't believe in gay marriage. No women priests. But now, because he's feuding with Trump, MSNBC loves this guy.' The audience responded with laughter as Maher joked about the Pope's newfound political status, suggesting he might receive a 'big speech on the floor from Chuck Schumer.'
Controversial Reference to Eric Swalwell
Maher then made a controversial reference to Democratic California Representative Eric Swalwell, stating, 'Eric Swalwell sent him a d*** pic.' This remark elicited a mixed reaction of gasps and applause from the crowd. Swalwell recently resigned from office and suspended his gubernatorial campaign following allegations of sexual misconduct from five women, including claims of rape from a former staffer and another accuser, Lonna Drewes.
Social Media Reactions to Maher's Comments
Maher's segment quickly circulated across social media platforms, generating diverse responses. One Roman Catholic commenter agreed with Maher, stating, 'The Pope should stay in his lane! He should worry about the Christians that are being killed because they are Christians!' Another user remarked on the fluidity of political morals: 'Isn’t it funny how convenient it is for people to wear their morals like a trendy jacket? Maybe the real issue is the blind allegiance to what “feels good” rather than sticking to principles.'
Others questioned Maher's focus, with one asking, 'Why is Bill Maher attacking Pope Leo XIV? Why is attacking Pope Leo XIV a joke?' However, some praised his balanced approach: 'I do admire Maher's ability to call out both sides. Don't always agree with him, but you always know exactly where he stands.'
Background of the Trump-Pope Feud
Maher's commentary follows Trump's criticism of Pope Leo XIV as 'weak on crime and terrible for foreign policy.' The former president also sparked controversy by posting an AI-generated image depicting himself as Jesus Christ. In a Truth Social post, Trump accused the Pope of being 'weak on nuclear weapons' and claimed, 'If I wasn't in the White House, Leo wouldn't be in the Vatican.'
Trump further criticised the Pope's stance on Iran, writing, 'I don’t want a Pope who thinks it’s OK for Iran to have a Nuclear Weapon.' He also condemned Leo's opposition to US actions in Venezuela, arguing that the country was sending drugs and criminals into the United States.
Pope Leo XIV's Response and Condemnation of War
Pope Leo XIV, aged 70, has repeatedly condemned the war in Iran, describing it as causing 'absurd and inhuman violence.' During a service at St Peter’s Basilica, he declared, 'Enough of the idolatry of self and money! Enough of the display of power! Enough of war!' He specifically criticised Trump's threats against Iran, including a statement warning that 'a whole civilization will die tonight,' which the Pope labelled 'truly unacceptable.'
Speaking aboard the papal flight to Algiers, Leo emphasised his commitment to peace: 'I don't want to get into a debate with him. I don't think that the message of the Gospel is meant to be abused in the way that some people are doing. Too many people are suffering in the world today. Too many innocent people are being killed. And I think someone has to stand up and say there's a better way.'
Escalation and Polling Data
The feud intensified when Leo made a thinly veiled swipe at Trump, condemning 'a handful of tyrants' ravaging the world and criticising the 'endless cycle of destabilization and death.' However, he later clarified that his remarks were not specifically directed at Trump, stating he had 'no interest' in debating the president.
According to a recent Daily Mail/JL Partners poll, Trump retains strong support among his base. Eighty-one percent of Trump voters approve of the former president, and 67 percent of Republicans side with him over the Pope in their public spat. Nationally, 30 percent of Americans back Trump in the feud, compared to 41 percent supporting the Pope.
