Comedian Bill Maher expressed in a recent interview that he believes Republicans will not relinquish their grip on power, even if they lose future elections.
During an appearance on “Straight Shooter with Stephen A” on SiriusXM, Maher suggested that as long as the GOP perceives Democrats as an “existential threat” in the upcoming elections of 2026 and 2028, they’ll hold onto their influence.
“I think they can win those elections,” Maher remarked when questioned by host Stephen A. Smith about the Democrats’ chances in the next cycles.
“If Republicans continue to perceive the right as irrational and see a lot of craziness on the left, it doesn’t matter if they win the elections,” he elaborated. “They’re not going to give up power. That’s my prediction.”
While Maher didn’t directly say whether he believed former President Trump would try to stay in office beyond his second term, he mentioned that there had been significant claims of fraud in the 2020 election.
“They’ve shown they’re completely unfazed. Trump hasn’t acknowledged the results of the 2020 election,” Maher stated. “Stalin said, it’s not about who gets the most votes, but who counts them.”
He continued, “If the right feels the left poses a real danger to the nation, then I doubt anyone would contest their retention of power, regardless of a Democratic win.”
Trump and some of his supporters have often floated the idea of seeking a third term, which is constitutionally prohibited. Though these comments sometimes seem lighthearted, Trump’s seriousness about the concept has been evident.
Earlier this year, Trump mentioned, “People are asking me to run. I’m not sure, I’ll never look into it. They say there’s a way for me to do it, but I don’t know.” The 22nd Amendment, established in 1951, restricts individuals from being elected for more than two presidential terms.
“No, probably not,” Trump later chuckled when discussing the matter last month.
“I want to run,” he added, expressing confidence, “I have the highest poll numbers I’ve ever had.”
