Bill Maher is Kennedy Center’s latest Mark Twain award recipient Bill Maher, the comedian whose relationship with President Donald Trump has veered between friendly and antagonistic, will be the 27th recipient of the Mark Twain Prize for American Humor and the first Twain Prize recipient chosen under Trump’s leadership — despite the fact that, just last week, the White House flatly denied this to be true.#white_house #kennedy_center #president_donald_trump #bill_maher #mark_twain_prize
Bill Maher to Receive Mark Twain Prize for American Humor Despite White House Denial Bill Maher will be honored with the Mark Twain Prize for American Humor by the Kennedy Center, the organization announced Thursday, contradicting recent claims from the White House that the comedian would not receive the award. The decision came less than a week after the Trump administration dismissed reports of Maher’s potential win, with White House communications director Steven Cheung labeling the news as “literally FAKE NEWS” on social media. The Kennedy Center, which has presented the award since 1998, described the honor as recognizing individuals who have significantly contributed to humor and public commentary in the United States. Maher, a long-time critic of political figures, including former President Donald Trump, was cited by the center as someone who has “influenced American discourse — one politically incorrect joke at a time.” In a statement, Maher humorously remarked that he “just had the award explained to me, and apparently it’s like an Emmy, except I win.” The announcement followed a report by The Atlantic that Maher would be the recipient, prompting a strong rebuttal from the White House. While the administration initially denied the claim, it did not issue a formal statement on Thursday. The Kennedy Center confirmed the award would be presented on June 28, just days before Trump plans to close the venue for renovations expected to last two years. The president has since exerted significant control over the institution, replacing its leadership and naming himself chairman of the board. The award ceremony coincides with ongoing legal challenges stemming from Trump’s decision to add his name to the Kennedy Center and approve its closure.#kennedy_center #bill_maher #trump_administration #mark_twain_prize #steven_cheung
Bill Maher to Receive Mark Twain Prize at Kennedy Center Despite White House Denial TV host Bill Maher will be honored with the Mark Twain Prize for American Humor by the Kennedy Center, the institution announced on Thursday. The decision comes days after the White House dismissed reports of the comedian receiving the award, calling the news “fake news.” Maher is set to accept the honor on June 28, the day before the Kennedy Center closes for a two-year renovation. The center has faced declining attendance and cancellations from performers due to President Donald Trump’s restructuring of the organization, which included a controversial name change. Maher, known for his HBO show “Real Time with Bill Maher,” has long been a vocal critic of Trump’s policies. In a statement, he humorously remarked on the award, comparing it to an Emmy, and paid tribute to Mark Twain, noting the writer’s frequent removal from school libraries. White House press secretary Karoline Leavitt previously denied the reports, stating, “Bill Maher will NOT be getting this award.” The Kennedy Center’s vice president of public relations, Roma Daravi, highlighted Maher’s influence on American discourse, calling his work “politically incorrect” and emphasizing his decades-long impact on comedy. The Mark Twain Prize, established to recognize excellence in humor, has previously been awarded to comedians such as Steve Martin, Tina Fey, Billy Crystal, Jon Stewart, and Adam Sandler. The award ceremony, typically held at the Kennedy Center, usually features a gala for entertainers and comedians. Maher’s relationship with Trump has been contentious. The two met in 2025 at the White House, arranged by entertainer Kid Rock, but their dynamic has remained strained.#white_house #kennedy_center #bill_maher #romas_daravi #mark_twain_prize
President Trump asserted Monday that the United States has "literally obliterated" the Iranian regime during the third week of the conflict, urging other nations to assist in reopening the Strait of Hormuz. The president claimed the Iranian military had suffered significant losses, including the destruction of its navy and air force, with over 100 vessels sunk or destroyed. He emphasized that Iran's leadership and critical infrastructure had been neutralized, though he acknowledged the country's resilience. Trump expressed concern over the Strait of Hormuz, a vital oil transit route, stating it was "in very good shape" but called on nations reliant on Middle Eastern oil to "come and help us" ensure its accessibility. He noted that several countries had pledged support, though he did not specify which nations. The president also criticized NATO, suggesting allies would not come to the U.S.'s aid when needed. Addressing Iran's use of artificial intelligence to spread disinformation, Trump claimed Tehran was currently engaged in negotiations with the U.S. He expressed skepticism about Iran's readiness to end hostilities, noting the country had "taken a pounding." When asked about Iran's new supreme leader, Ayatollah Mojtaba Khamenei, Trump stated he had not yet seen him, calling the absence "unusual." Khamenei, the son of the late Supreme Leader Ali Khamenei, was selected to succeed his father after the latter was killed in U.S.-Israeli strikes. The president then shifted focus to the Kennedy Center, criticizing its previous management for neglecting maintenance and allowing "very woke" programming that he claimed was "out of touch with reality." Trump, who chairs the Kennedy Center board, announced plans for a $200 million renovation project, including the temporary closure of the facility for two years starting July 4.#iran #trump #strait_of_hormuz #kennedy_center #khamenei
Judge Rules Kennedy Center Must Allow Rep. Joyce Beatty to Attend Board Meeting A federal judge has ruled that the Kennedy Center must provide Rep. Joyce Beatty (D-Ohio) a “meaningful opportunity” to participate in the institution’s upcoming board meeting, though she will not be allowed to vote. The decision, issued by U.S. District Judge Christopher Cooper, addresses Beatty’s claim that she was excluded from the March 16 session despite being an ex officio board member. Her legal team later admitted the invitation was sent to her email spam folder, prompting the lawsuit. Cooper’s 37-page ruling emphasized that federal law prohibits the categorical exclusion of a trustee from critical decision-making processes. The judge noted that denying Beatty access to information or her right to voice dissent on a major vote—such as one involving the closure and potential rebuilding of the Kennedy Center—would be rare and unjust. However, the court stopped short of granting her full voting rights, stating the legal basis for such a right was unclear. “While her statutory arguments are persuasive,” Cooper wrote, “the question whether the statute provides a right to vote is not clearcut.” The ruling does not block the Kennedy Center’s planned closure or renaming, which was announced by President Trump and his allies. The center, now called the Trump Kennedy Center, has undergone significant changes since Trump’s return to the presidency, including a restructured board. Trump recently shared updated renovation plans on social media, citing the need for modernization. In a statement, Roma Daravi, the center’s vice president of public relations, confirmed that Beatty was invited to the meeting and is welcome to attend.#kennedy_center #judge_christopher_cooper #rep_joyce_beatty #trump_kennedy_center #romas_daravi
Trump administration must provide Kennedy Center renovation plans to board members before key closure vote, judge rules A federal judge has ordered the Trump administration to share detailed renovation plans for the Kennedy Center with Democratic Rep. Joyce Beatty ahead of a critical vote on the president’s proposal to temporarily close and overhaul the iconic performing arts venue. The ruling, issued by U.S. District Judge Christopher Cooper, emphasizes that Beatty, an ex-officio board member, must have access to the information to meaningfully participate in the upcoming White House meeting where the plan is set to be approved. Cooper’s decision highlights the significance of the project, noting that the renovation involves potential demolition and reconstruction of a major national memorial and theater. The judge stated that if the administration claims the plans are finalized, it must provide concrete details to the board, including Beatty, to ensure transparency. The administration had previously argued that the plans were “preliminary” and not yet finalized, but Cooper dismissed this as “bordering on preposterous.” Beatty, who has challenged the legality of Trump’s plan to rename the center the “Trump Kennedy Center” and temporarily close it, stated she had received the materials but called them “inadequate.” She accused Trump of shutting down the center due to declining ticket sales and artists leaving after his controversial renaming of the venue. “I’m not letting him get away with it – we’re holding him accountable,” she said. The judge also addressed Beatty’s separate legal challenge regarding the board’s rule change that barred ex-officio members from voting.#kennedy_center #trump_administration #joyce_beatty #christopher_cooper #new_york_philharmonic
Andy Richter to host TikTok Live at Oscars backstage this Sunday Andy Richter will take to the backstage of the 98th Academy Awards this Sunday, offering fans an exclusive behind-the-scenes look through a TikTok Live stream for ABC. The legendary comedian, known for his long-standing partnership with Conan O’Brien, will provide real-time access to the event, capturing candid moments that won’t be shown on television. The surprise reunion of the duo, who previously worked together on Late Night, The Tonight Show, and Conan, marks a nostalgic return to their iconic late-night chemistry. The event, scheduled for March 15, 2026, at 7 PM ET/4 PM PT, will see Conan O’Brien hosting the Oscars for the second time. Richter’s role as a backstage correspondent will be streamed exclusively via TikTok, giving viewers a unique perspective on the festivities. The duo announced the collaboration through a humorous Instagram post featuring their signature banter, with Richter joking about his lack of direction and O’Brien quipping about the inevitability of the night’s chaos. This lighthearted exchange reflects the dynamic that made their partnership a fan favorite over the years. Richter’s career as O’Brien’s sidekick spanned nearly two decades, beginning with Late Night with Conan O’Brien in 1993. His quick wit, improvisational flair, and willingness to be the butt of jokes became defining traits of their on-air chemistry. Though they no longer share a daily partnership, the two remain close friends, frequently collaborating on O’Brien’s podcast Conan O’Brien Needs a Friend and attending events like the Kennedy Center Mark Twain Prize ceremony. For this Oscars appearance, Richter’s improvisational style will take center stage.#conan_o_brien #kennedy_center #tiktok #academy_awards #andy_richter
DC Theater Arts Commits to Supporting Local Theater Amid Crisis The recent closures of the Kennedy Center and the dismantling of The Washington Post’s arts and culture team have left the theater community in DC reeling. For those deeply involved in the arts—artists, writers, critics, and supporters—these losses are more than institutional setbacks. They represent the displacement of colleagues, friends, and people who have dedicated their lives to nurturing this craft. The emotional weight of these events is undeniable, but the community is now faced with a critical question: who will step forward to carry the torch? For many in the theater world, the passion for this art form began with a transformative experience: the raw, unfiltered connection that happens when people gather to share truth through performance. Over the years, this community has thrived on mutual support, with artists mentoring one another, critics offering vital feedback, and writers amplifying the voices of creators. These interactions are not just metaphorical—they are the lifeblood of theater, enabling it to endure despite the challenges of a world that often undervalues artistic pursuits. DC Theater Arts was founded with the belief that this kind of collaboration is essential, especially during times of uncertainty. The organization has always aimed to highlight the diverse landscape of theater in the DMV, from major institutions to smaller, independent productions. However, the recent upheavals have only reinforced the need for such a platform. The publication is now doubling down on its mission to support local artists, playwrights, and the stories being told across the region, regardless of scale. The organization’s commitment extends beyond coverage.#washington_post #dc_theater_arts #kennedy_center #dc_theater_community #dmv_theater
