Bill Maher recently found himself in a heated exchange with actor John Leguizamo on the latest episode of the Club Random podcast, particularly regarding Donald Trump’s views on the immigration system.
Leguizamo criticized Stephen Miller, a key figure in Trump’s administration, labeling him as a racist and the mastermind behind an extensive deportation policy. Maher, however, suggested that the previous administration was largely to blame.
“You know, part of this is a reaction to how poorly Biden has handled immigration. It can’t just be a free-for-all,” Maher pointed out.
“But there’s a lot of space in America,” Leguizamo responded, trying to convince Maher. “We’ve got plenty of room.” Maher disagreed, emphasizing that the issue goes beyond just physical space. “It’s not about available rooms. It’s about resources… countries need to have borders. Look, research shows that millions worldwide would come to America if they could. Why isn’t that the case in many other countries?” he said.
During Trump’s first term, he faced significant criticism, especially for his comments regarding nations like Haiti and El Salvador.
Leguizamo, known for his liberal activism, argued that many issues in Latin America stem from U.S. actions over the years.
He recalled meeting Trump before he became involved in politics, describing him as “very clear” and “somewhat meek.”
“I wouldn’t call it meek,” Maher responded. “To me, it’s about knowing how to read a room. Ironically, he has a reputation for being quite the egomaniac, yet there’s an interest in what others are saying, isn’t there?”
Earlier this year, Maher had a meeting with Trump at the White House and described the president as “graceful and measured,” but he also made it clear that he won’t hold back from criticizing Trump in the future.
Leguizamo characterized Trump as “inexplicable,” and Maher admitted that Trump’s statements about the actor being “just offensive” had some merit.
Maher remarked that although Trump, who turned 79 last month, isn’t a racist, he’s more of “a product of his time,” to which Leguizamo reflected that he had “overcome some of us.”
“That’s both true and fair,” Maher concluded.
Leguizamo is set to host an MSNBC program titled “Leguizamo Does America,” where he will explore various Latin communities across the nation to highlight their culture.
