(TNND) — Comedian Bill Maher offered President Donald Trump unusual praise Friday, arguing the president’s hard-line image may be helping deter crime even as Maher criticized some of Trump’s policies.
WASHINGTON, DC – AUGUST 12: National Guard troops stand next to a military Humvee at The Park at LeDroit in Northwest on August 12, 2026 in Washington, DC. U.S. President Donald Trump is claiming credit for Washington’s dramatic crime decline a year after Trump sent thousands of National Guard troops to the nation’s Capitol, but the evidence shows crime was already falling before his federal intervention and the extent to which his policies accelerated that decline remains disputed. (Photo by Andrew Harnik/Getty Images)
Maher made the comments during his Friday “New Rule” segment on HBO’s “Real Time,” where he also called for more bipartisanship in Washington.
In his commentary, Maher pointed to recent declines in overdose deaths and described the trend as “accidental bipartisanship.” He credited expanded access to Narcan under former President Joe Biden, along with law-enforcement efforts aimed at disrupting the drug supply.
Maher cited declines from peak levels in deaths involving fentanyl, cocaine, heroin, and methamphetamine. Those figures were presented as part of his on-air commentary and should be independently verified against CDC data.
While Maher said he did not support all of Trump’s methods, including some deportation practices, he argued it was “childish” to dismiss the possibility that Trump’s tough-on-crime image could have a deterrent effect.
WASHINGTON, DC – AUGUST 11: U.S. President Donald Trump shows crime statistics as he delivers remarks during a press conference in the James S. Brady Press Briefing Room of the White House August 11, 2025 in Washington, DC. Trump was expected to announce his plan to deploy the National Guard and elements of federal law enforcement agencies to assist in crime prevention in the nation’s capital. Also pictured is U.S Secretary of Defense Pete Hegseth. (Photo by Andrew Harnik/Getty Images)
Maher’s explanation reflects his opinion and is not an established finding. Researchers have said crime trends can vary by offense and by city, and there is no single proven reason for nationwide changes.
A Council on Criminal Justice midyear analysis cited by the Washington Times found homicide, robbery, and motor vehicle theft declined in 36 large cities, while drug offenses, domestic violence, sexual assault, and shoplifting increased.
