Trump–Kennedy Center Confirms Bill Maher Will Receive 27th Mark Twain Prize for American Humor

The comedian will be honored on June 28, reversing previous comments made by the Trump administration denying reports of his selection.

Master of ceremonies Bill Maher speaks onstage during the 6th Annual Sean Penn & Friends HAITI RISING Gala Benefiting J/P Haitian Relief Organization at Montage Hotel in Beverly Hills, Calif., on Jan. 7, 2017. Michael Kovac/Getty Images for J/P Haitian Relief Organization

Comedian and television host Bill Maher has been named as the 27th recipient for the prestigious Mark Twain Prize for American Humor, after the White House initially denied reports of his selection.

The Donald J. Trump and John F. Kennedy Memorial Center for the Performing Arts confirmed the news in statement on Mar. 26, reversing earlier public comments from administration officials, including press secretary Karoline Leavitt who dismissed the report as “fake news.”