Bill Maher Critiques NPR as Part of the “Far Left”
In a recent chat with NPR’s Steve Inskeep, comedian Bill Maher took a jab at NPR, labeling it part of the “far left.” He made a light-hearted remark about how surprised he was to see a “Real Time” host on his show.
During his appearance on NPR’s “Newsmakers” podcast, Maher covered a variety of subjects, ranging from his interaction with former President Donald Trump to his experiences at the Kennedy Center Awards. While Maher often critiques Trump and the Republican Party, he also doesn’t hold back on the left’s issues.
“Your audience will appreciate this,” Maher said while defending his invitation to Louis C.K. at the Kennedy Center event where he received the Mark Twain Award. He expressed confusion over the lack of consistent rules regarding the punishment of criminals in the United States, noting that while some individuals, like “Hamas rapists,” receive support from certain groups, others are dismissed for lesser offenses.
Inskeep suggested that NPR’s audience might actually be more diverse than Maher believes.
“I was surprised they let me wear it,” Maher noted, referencing the award. “I think this place is a lot different than it used to be. And I really wish people would just engage in the conversation. You might disagree with me, which is okay, but if I’m mistaken, let’s talk about it.” He added that neither side in today’s climate seems to foster this kind of discussion anymore, pointing to what he perceives as a far-left stance.
Inskeep countered that the people NPR engages with could be broader than Maher is aware of.
“What you think people believe isn’t necessarily reflective of reality,” Maher replied.
Inskeep emphasized NPR’s commitment to featuring diverse voices. However, Maher has previously critiqued NPR, especially after comments made by CEO Katherine Marr during her testimony before Congress in 2025.
In a March 2025 segment on his HBO show, Maher specifically challenged NPR’s claims of being “fair,” underscoring a sense of skepticism towards media bias.
“Give yourself a break, girl,” he joked about the station’s liberal leanings. He went on to assert that it’s time for the government to reconsider subsidies for NPR and PBS, given the current polarization in media. “Why are we funding it?” he posed. Maher argued that the media landscape has shifted since a time when bipartisan discussions were more commonplace. “I don’t think stations like this can survive in today’s environment,” he added, suggesting they should operate on a private funding model.
The backdrop for this discussion is NPR’s struggle with funding cuts, particularly after Congress voted in 2025 to withdraw $1.1 billion from public media resources.
