Comedian and Trump critic Bill Maher on Sunday received the Mark Twain Prize for American Humor at the Kennedy Center for the Performing Arts, a Washington institution entangled in a legal battle over President Donald Trump’s effort to overhaul it.

The center, which Trump has sought to put his stamp on, was set to temporarily close its doors for a years-long renovation but is now faced with difficult financial choices after a judge ordered it to continue operating.

Uncertainty at the Kennedy Center

Plummeting ticket sales, artist withdrawals, political controversies, and a diminished staff have made restarting a full-scale programming schedule a challenge, multiple sources familiar with the operation previously told CNN.

Maher noted the potential closure during remarks on the red carpet before the event, saying, “This is the last show here for at least two years.”

The performing arts center has been at the center of Trump’s remaking of Washington, DC — and the limits he faces in enacting his wishes.

Two weeks ago, the Kennedy Center complied with a judge’s order in removing Trump’s name from the building, which was added by the president’s handpicked board of trustees.

Maher has been a target of the president’s ire but also dined with Trump at the White House in 2025.

The White House in March initially denied that the comedian would be awarded the honor, which is an annual lifetime achievement award given by the Kennedy Center.

As Maher was accepting his award, he was “interrupted” by the president — or rather, comedian Matt Friend’s portrayal of him.

The “Real Time with Bill Maher” host joins a list of past honorees that includes Richard Pryor, Carol Burnett, Dave Chappelle, Jon Stewart, and Conan O’Brien.

Original reporting: El Paso News (HLL/CB) — read the source article.