Maher hits Trump over tariffs, questions why
Share this @internewscast.com


(The Hill) Comedian Bill Maher expressed frustration with the White House on Friday, just over 100 days since President Trump took office, citing economic uncertainty brought to the forefront by President Trump’s latest tariffs.

“We hit the 100-day mark of the Trump administration, as you know, this week, and ooh, the numbers are kind of in the toilet,” Maher said, while pointing to market dips and polls that highlight the president’s dismal 39 percent approval rating since returning to office.

“That’s the lowest 100-day mark for a president in 80 years. It’s like America remarried their ex and remembered why they got divorced in the first place,” he continued in an episode of “Real Time with Bill Maher.”

Maher also noted that the U.S.’s gross domestic product (GDP) has shrunk by 0.3 percent in the first quarter of 2025 and that consumer confidence is at its lowest point in five years.

“Kind of a high price for getting back plastic straws,” he said in a clip highlighted by Mediaite, joking about the president’s executive order targeting paper straws from earlier this year.

His critique comes after Trump last month levied a 10 percent baseline tax on nearly all foreign imports and announced higher reciprocal taxes on many nations. Following backlash, he paused most of the retaliatory tariffs for up to 90 days to allow room for negotiation. But, the administration notably left out one of the nation’s top trading partners: China.

The “Liberation Day” fallout has spooked many on Wall Street, with some experts suggesting the U.S. is headed for or is already in a recession. The president has largely brushed off the concerns even claiming earlier this week that children would be OK with fewer toys.

“But, you know, Trump, he only doubles down,” Maher said Friday. “I mean, this guy, I got to say, the balls on him, they asked him about what’s going to happen Christmas, because … 80 percent of the toys come from China, and this is the time they’re starting to plan for that.”

“The thing is that people in this country now, we don’t understand why we’re doing this,” he added later. “Why are we f—ing putting ourselves through this? To bring manufacturing back from China to make the things here that they make in China? That’s the American dream?”

Trump has mostly defended his sweeping tariff agenda, arguing it will bring jobs and domestic production back to the U.S. But, after Wednesday’s GDP report, he acknowledged that the U.S. may feel some pain from the steep taxes and asked for time to fix it.

When asked by NBC’s “Meet the Press” in an interview set to air Sunday about whether Americans should be worried about a recession, he said “anything can happen.”

Share this @internewscast.com
You May Also Like

Persistent Thunderstorms Heighten Flooding Risks Following Atmospheric River’s Impact on California

LOS ANGELES – California recently faced the wrath of a formidable atmospheric…

Senator Fetterman Returns Home After Hospitalization Following Fall: Pennsylvania’s Voice Back in Action

WASHINGTON – Pennsylvania’s Senator John Fetterman has returned to his family after…

Unlocking Justice: House Republicans Rally for Epstein Files Release

WASHINGTON – As the House gears up for a pivotal vote, lawmakers…

Rural Surge: Péter Magyar Challenges Orbán with Growing Support in Hungarian Election Campaign

BUDAPEST – Although Hungary’s parliamentary elections are still several months away, the…

North Carolina Residents React as Border Patrol Commander Announces Surge in Local Arrests

In a recent development that has captured the attention of Charlotte residents,…

Kingsport’s Christmas Connection Celebrates 46 Years of Unique Gift Offerings

The MeadowView Convention Center in Kingsport, Tennessee, recently transformed into a festive…

Record-Breaking Turnout: Over 1,000 Runners Join Girls on the Run Seasonal 5K Event

JOHNSON CITY, Tenn. (WJHL) — Following months of preparation throughout the fall,…

Bessent Proposes $2K Tariff Rebates for Hardworking Families

According to Bessent, the benefits from tariffs might manifest in various ways,…

Urgent: VSP and Smyth County Sheriff’s Office Seek Public’s Help in Locating Missing Senior from Marion

The Virginia State Police (VSP) have announced a senior alert in cooperation…

Chile’s Political Crossroads: Hard-Right Gains Momentum Ahead of Tense Presidential Runoff

SANTIAGO – As Chile approaches a contentious presidential runoff, the spotlight is…

Mike Pompeo Joins Embattled Ukrainian Defense Firm as Strategic Advisor Amid Missile Expansion Efforts

Mike Pompeo, the former U.S. Secretary of State, has taken on a…

Trump Stands by Tucker Carlson Amid Backlash Over Interview with Controversial Activist

WEST PALM BEACH, Fla. – On Sunday, President Donald Trump downplayed worries…