Bill Maher reveals what
Bill Maher sees Trump’s planned ballroom as a clear indicator that he plans to call the White House home for a long time.
On Friday’s “Real Time,” the late-night host was speaking with former Republican National Committee Chairman Michael Steele and former Biden White House Communications Director Kate Bedingfield about Trump’s controversial construction project.
Alex Brandon/AP
Maher was initially dismissive when Steele called this week’s demolition of the east wing “the destruction of a symbol of this government, of our democracy, of our pluralistic society.”
“It’s a building, Mike,” Maher responded, before noting that other presidents have also made changes to the White House, albeit smaller ones.
“I can’t get that angry about everything, Mike. I just can’t,” he added.
“I’m not angry. It’s not a matter of being angry,” Steele continued. “It’s a matter of understanding what the symbolism is and what it means for Trump.”
That’s when Maher chimed in: “The symbolism is that he’s not leaving. That’s what bothers me. Who puts up a giant ballroom if you leave?”
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Bill Maher: Presidents change buildings. Nixon installed a bowling alley, Obama converted the tennis court into a basketball court. The symbolism is that it will not go away. That’s what bothers me. Who puts up a giant ballroom if you leave? pic.twitter.com/JMDW4lhcMK
– Blue Georgia (@BlueATLGeorgia) October 25, 2025
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Bill Maher: Presidents change buildings. Nixon installed a bowling alley, Obama converted the tennis court into a basketball court. The symbolism is that it will not go away. That’s what bothers me. Who puts up a giant ballroom if you leave? pic.twitter.com/JMDW4lhcMK
– Blue Georgia (@BlueATLGeorgia) October 25, 2025
He continued: “That’s the problem, not the building.”
Constitutional term limits prohibit Trump from being president again in 2028. However, in an interview published this week, former Trump strategist Steve Bannon declared that Trump “will get a third term” and claimed that “there is a plan” to circumvent those rules.