Bill Maher Mocks Trump's Reaction to Supreme Court Tariff Ruling
In his opening monologue on Friday's episode of "Real Time," host Bill Maher applauded the Supreme Court for striking down most of the emergency tariffs imposed by former President Donald Trump while simultaneously ridiculing Trump's aggressive reaction to the decision. The comedian highlighted the significant constitutional implications of the ruling, which reinforced the separation of powers between the executive and legislative branches.
Supreme Court Rejects Presidential Emergency Powers
The Supreme Court delivered an extraordinary 6-3 decision on Friday, ruling that the International Emergency Economic Powers Act (IEEPA) does not authorize the president to impose tariffs unilaterally. This decision came despite Trump invoking that very law to justify his tariff actions. The ruling represents a crucial check on executive power, affirming that such economic measures require congressional approval as outlined in the Constitution.
"The Supreme Court said they struck down his request to have emergency powers to impose tariffs," Maher stated during his monologue. "They said 'yes' to pretty much everything he wanted to do, but here, they finally said, 'You know what? Don't fuck with the money.' Trump took it very well."
Trump's Explosive Response Draws Criticism
Maher quickly clarified his sarcastic remark about Trump taking the decision well, noting the former president's furious reaction. Trump publicly denounced the justices who ruled against him as a "disgrace to our nation" during a Friday press conference and reportedly ranted privately about "these fucking courts."
"I'm joking, of course. He went batshit about it ... that it was a 'disgrace' and 'these fucking courts,'" Maher continued. "He's such a Karen. I mean, everything he does, everything is always, 'I want to speak to the manager.' And the Supreme Court said, 'We're the manager.'"
Historical Context and Constitutional Questions
Maher posed a rhetorical question to his audience about why previous presidents hadn't attempted similar tariff measures without congressional consultation. "So after this whole year of tariffs that we've been going through, have you been thinking to yourself, 'Why didn't other presidents think of doing this and not confiding in Congress when their Constitution says they have to?'" Maher asked. "They did think of it — they thought it was illegal, so they didn't do it."
While Maher's commentary drew applause from his studio audience, political analysts have warned that Trump may pursue alternative methods to implement his tariff agenda. The former president hinted at such approaches in November and followed through by announcing a global 10% tariff on Friday, which he subsequently increased to 15% on Saturday.
Maher's Ongoing Criticism and Personal History with Trump
The comedian also addressed Trump's apparent surprise at Maher's continued criticism following their private dinner meeting last year. "So he went off on me and said the dinner we had was a 'waste of time,'" Maher revealed. "Well, I didn't think it was — and that I'm a 'jerk' and that I'm a low-ratings 'lightweight' and all this shit — because I never stopped criticizing him. I never said I would! I know how women feel now — a guy buys you dinner and then expects you to put out."
Maher concluded his segment with a sarcastic remark about Trump's potential workarounds to the Supreme Court decision. "Now, the president says there are other ways he can get what he wants with the tariffs," Maher said. "I don't know what they are, but if you've ever been to Washington, D.C., and you've seen that majestic Supreme Court building, it's going to make a lovely ballroom."
This reference alluded to Trump's controversial $400 million ballroom project that required demolishing part of the White House's East Wing last year. While Maher has previously expressed indifference toward that renovation project, he used the comparison to emphasize the constitutional significance of the Supreme Court's ruling on presidential powers.
