Political commentator Bill Maher has publicly criticized Molly McNearney, wife of late-night host Jimmy Kimmel, for what he describes as an "ultimatum" she gave to family members who supported Donald Trump in the 2024 presidential election.
The Family Conflict Over Trump Support
McNearney, who serves as executive producer for Jimmy Kimmel Live, revealed during an appearance on the We Can Do Hard Things podcast earlier this month that she had emailed conservative relatives a list of 10 reasons not to vote for Trump before the election. She acknowledged that the political disagreement had cost her relationships with some family members.
"It hurts me so much because of the personal relationship I now have, where my husband is out there fighting this man," McNearney told podcast hosts. "To me, them voting for Trump is them not voting for my husband and me and our family."
Maher's Public Response
During his November 24 episode of Real Time, Maher addressed the situation directly, stating that while McNearney had made her comments public, he felt it was "fair to comment, respectfully, in public." The host emphasized that he would never present political arguments as an ultimatum.
"Ten reasons? I can think of 100. But I would never present it to someone as an ultimatum," Maher stated, making a slicing motion across his neck. "Ultimatums don't make people rethink their politics. They make them rethink you."
Broader Implications for Political Discourse
Maher expressed concern that in contemporary political culture, "my values" has become code for "I'm the only one with a moral compass." He suggested that McNearney's approach exemplified this problematic trend.
The comedian, who identifies as a Democratic voter, challenged his "very pure friends" to consider why millions of Americans might be hesitant to trust them with power. "You're just why she lost," Maher concluded, referencing Democratic electoral challenges.
McNearney had explained that her political stance now revolves around what she considers "family values" rather than traditional party politics. She expressed particular difficulty reconciling her Christian upbringing with contemporary Republican policies.
"I grew up believing in these Christian ideals of taking care of the sick and taking care of the poor," she said, "and I don't see that happening with this Republican Party."
The family conflict emerged following the brief suspension of Jimmy Kimmel Live in September after the host made political comments about an alleged assassin. McNearney described feeling "betrayed" by family members who supported Trump despite her husband's public position.
