By Daily Mail (U.S.) | Created at 2026-06-20 23:15:43 | Updated at 2026-06-23 19:11:34
2 days ago
Bill Maher blasted Donald Trump for his negotiations with Iran, comparing the US's 'memorandum of understanding' to end the conflict with the president's previous sex scandal.
The comedian took the stage for his opening monologue on HBO's Real Time with Bill Maher on Friday night, starting the show with a sarcastic bit praising the deal.
'I know why you’re happy, we have an Iran deal, finally a deal with Iran and I I love this deal,' Maher said. 'We got everything we wanted except for everything we asked for.'
Maher went on to say that he hoped the US plays Iran in the World Cup so 'we can beat them at something.'
Maher also likened the deal to 'hush money' being sent to Iran, making a comparison with Trump’s payments to keep adult film actress Stormy Daniels silent.
Iran and the US signed a deal to end the military conflict and reopen the Strait of Hormuz, amid surging energy prices and a significant economic toll.
However, the understanding only included an agreement to discuss enrichment and did not state that Iran was barred from access to nuclear capabilities - the main reason why Trump began his military campaign in February.
The issue of Iran's nuclear program remains under negotiation for a further 60-day period.
Trump has said the peace agreement will stave off an 'economic catastrophe' but threatened to 'bomb the hell' out of Iran if no final deal emerged.
The comedian took the stage for his opening monologue on HBO's Real Time with Bill Maher on Friday night, starting the show with a sarcastic bit praising the new deal
Trump signed a physical copy on Wednesday while dining with French President Emmanuel Macron at Versailles
One provision calls for Iran, the United States and their allies to halt hostilities across the region, including in Lebanon. Pictured, file photo of a missile strike in Tehran from March 2026
Part of the agreement involves Iran making arrangements to ensure that traffic starts flowing through the Strait of Hormuz 'immediately'.
Maher pointed out that destroying Iran's ability to enrich uranium was initially cited as a primary motivator for launching military strikes at the start of the war in February.
The comedian also slammed the US's agreement to provide at least $300 billion for Iran's reconstruction and economic development.
Vice President JD Vance sought to calm concerns during an interview with Fox News, arguing that American taxpayers would not be footing the bill for the proposed development fund.
According to Axios, Vance said the money would not come from US taxpayers and would only become relevant if Iran permanently dismantled its nuclear program, surrendered its enriched uranium and accepted inspections.
'Yeah, other countries, they’re looking at this. They’re seeing all that Iran got out of this. They’re getting $300 billion plus sanction listed, lifted, assets unfrozen. They’re all like, bomb us. Bomb us,' Maher said.
'Where have I seen this strategy before? Oh yeah, I think I would call it the Stormy Daniels strategy. It’s a third party’s going to send you money and then we’re going to pretend this never happened,' he concluded.
Maher pointed out that destroying Iran's ability to enrich uranium was initially cited as a primary motivator for launching military strikes at the start of the war in February
Trump with Macron at Chateau de Versailles before signing the deal
Vice President JD Vance fired back at critics of President Donald Trump's peace deal, accusing them of spreading 'Iranian propaganda'
Smoke rises following an Israeli airstrike in southern Lebanon
Iran's President Masoud Pezeshkian holds a document showing a memorandum of understanding he signed to end the Middle East war
Maher's joke took aim at a sex scandal that plagued the president's previous campaigns when the adult actress was paid in 'hush money' to keep quiet about their affair.
The president was found guilty in May 2024 on 34 felony counts of falsifying business records in connection with the 'hush money' trial.
Maher likened the 'hush money' payments to the recent understanding with Iran, claiming that Trump paid out to both parties through a third party.
Despite the criticism, the Trump administration has hailed the MoU as a success, defiantly posting on Truth Social, 'Ships of the World, start your engines. Let the oil flow!'
The MoU says the US will lift the naval blockade, and Iran has agreed to reopen the Strait.
A 60-day window has been established for the two sides to negotiate a permanent solution.
The Daily Mail has reached out to the White House for comment on Maher's monologue.
