During Friday’s episode of HBO’s “Real Time,” host Bill Maher remarked that although President Donald Trump had previously been overly friendly towards Vladimir Putin, the idea that he continuously supports Putin is a “zombie lie.” Maher noted that Trump had actions contrary to supporting Putin, such as bombing Iran, which was an ally of Putin, not withdrawing from NATO, improving relations with NATO, and re-imposing sanctions on Russia.

Maher kicked off by expressing, “While I don’t believe he was an actual Russian agent, Russiagate wasn’t entirely fabricated. It’s documented—he’s on tape asking the Russians for assistance. The same day they released hacked emails, he requested that they hack something, which they did, to his benefit. So, anyone claiming there’s nothing suspicious is ignoring the evidence.”

He continued with, “It’s somewhat misleading to perceive Trump as Putin’s subordinate, though he certainly maintained a very friendly stance for much too long, given that Putin is recognized as a thug and a murderer. … There are numerous flattering comments Trump has made about him.”

Maher elaborated that regarding the Ukraine situation, Trump initially proposed a strategy of surrender, essentially granting Putin his desires, yet it was ineffective. Maher emphasized, “Despite his previous concessions to Putin, let’s not perpetuate the notion that Trump still supports him. Trump bombed Iran, a Putin ally, stayed in NATO, fostered improved relations with NATO, and reinstated sanctions on Russia.”