By Charles Switzer
8:12am PDT, May 3, 2025
Bill Maher's Criticism of Trump and the Economic Impact of the Trade War
On the Friday, May 2, episode of HBO's
Real Time with Bill Maher, the comedian and political commentator unleashed a passionate tirade against President
Donald Trump, blaming his trade war for worsening the U.S. economy.
Bill Maher, known for his sharp, erudite wit, was joined by actors and comedic duo
Cheech Marin and
Tommy Chong, who were promoting their documentary
Cheech & Chong's Last Movie. The show also featured
Kara Swisher, host of the
On with Kara Swisher podcast, and
Kevin McCarthy, former Republican congressman and Speaker of the House.
Maher used the episode as an opportunity to address the recent economic struggles under Trump's presidency, specifically calling out the effects of the trade war and its consequences on consumer prices and confidence. He began with a jab at the low approval ratings for the Trump administration:
"C*****, we hit the 100-day mark of the Trump administration… and ooh, the numbers are kind of in the toilet," he quipped, noting that Trump's approval rating had hit 39 percent, marking the lowest 100-day mark for a president in 80 years.
Here's a rundown of Maher's latest Trump critiques.
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The Economic Downturn: A Hard Price for Trump's Policies
Bill Maher continued his takedown, which comes nearly a month after
his meeting with President Donald Trump in the White House, by highlighting the economic downturn caused by Trump's latest policies.
"The S&P 500 down 7 percent since Trump took office. The value of the dollar is off 10 percent. The economy has shrunk for the first time in three years. Consumer confidence is down for the first time in five years," Maher listed, further emphasizing the impact of the administration's decisions on the country's financial health.
Maher sarcastically remarked, "Kind of a high price for getting back plastic straws is what I would…"
The comic didn't hold back in ridiculing the effects of Trump's trade war. He referenced the disruption at U.S. ports, saying, "The ports are not bustling, and the containers aren't coming in… soon, the shelves at Walmart could be 90 percent bare, just like the people who shop there."
That remark, while comedic, seemed to point to the tangible consequences of the administration's trade policies on the everyday American consumer.
Trump's Christmas Plan: Higher Costs and Less Product
During the segment, Bill Maher zeroed in on Donald Trump's comment regarding the potential impact of tariffs on holiday shopping. With many toys coming from China, Maher recalled Trump's remark about the coming Christmas season: "Trump said, 'Well, maybe the children this year will get $2 instead of $30, and maybe they'll cost more.'"
He sarcastically responded, "Right so there's less on the shelf and it costs more… what's your problem, people?"
He mocked the idea that the American people should accept fewer products at higher prices due to tariffs, saying, "Just imagine you live at the airport. I mean, what… what?"
The Irony of Trump's Trade War
Bill Maher also criticized the logic behind Donald Trump's decision to bring manufacturing back to the U.S., pointing out the absurdity of producing items in America that are already being efficiently made in China.
"Why are we f****** putting ourselves through this?" Maher asked, perplexed by the economic strategy. He mocked the supposed return to manufacturing with the notion that it could be the "American dream" to have jobs that involve painting eyes on dolls, asking, "A house, a car, and a job painting the eyes on Bratz dolls?"
Social Media Chimes in
Public reactions to Bill Maher's segment were quick to flood social media.
On X, some users found Maher's comments spot on, with one user writing, "Bill Maher calling out the trade war fallout is on point. Why are we paying more for less? #EconomyUnderTrump #TariffDisaster."
Another tweet read, "Maher's rant about the economy under Trump is exactly what's going on. Less stuff, higher prices. That's his idea of 'winning'?"
However, some Trump supporters defended the president's trade policies, with one user posting, "Trump is doing what's best for America, even if it means a little temporary pain. Maher clearly doesn't get it."
