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Bill Maher accepts Twain humor prize as the Kennedy Center navigates Trump-era upheaval
By Steven Sloan, Associated Press at KSAT 12 (ABC affiliate)
· June 28, 2026
· 5 min read
Comedian Bill Maher was the guest of honor at the Kennedy Center on Sunday night. But President Donald Trump's presence wasn't far away. Just moments after Maher began to accept the prestigious Mark Twain Prize for American Humor, Matt Friend, a leading impersonator of the president, took to the ...
Key takeaway Cummings, for instance, said that under Trump's influence, the Kennedy Center would host “white ‘Hamilton.
Why this matters in The San Antonio
The awarding of the Mark Twain Prize for American Humor to Bill Maher comes at a time of significant upheaval for the Kennedy Center, and San Antonio residents may be watching with interest as the institution navigates its new leadership and potential renovation. As a city with its own rich cultural scene, San Antonio understands the importance of preserving and promoting the arts, and the Kennedy Center's situation may have implications for similar institutions across the country, including those in Bexar County. The fact that the center's leadership was reshaped by President Trump and that his name was added to the building's facade, only to be removed by a court order, raises questions about the role of politics in the arts and the importance of maintaining nonpartisan institutions. As the Kennedy Center's future remains uncertain, San Antonio's own arts community may be considering how to balance artistic expression with political realities.
About this story
Original reporting by KSAT 12 (ABC affiliate) . The San Antonio surfaces reporting from trusted publishers and adds local editorial context so readers can quickly understand what a story means for their community. We attribute every source, link to the original report, and follow a documented editorial standards policy. To understand how stories are selected and reviewed, read our about page .
For the complete original report, visit KSAT 12 (ABC affiliate) . Have a tip or correction? Contact our newsroom .
Category: local ·
Published: June 28, 2026 ·
Source: KSAT 12 (ABC affiliate) ·
Reading time: 5 min
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Frequently asked about this story
What is this story about? Comedian Bill Maher was the guest of honor at the Kennedy Center on Sunday night. But President Donald Trump's presence wasn't far away. Just moments after Maher began to accept the prestigious Mark Twain Prize for American Humor, Matt Friend, a leading impersonator of the president, took to the ...
When was this published? This article was first published on June 28, 2026 by KSAT 12 (ABC affiliate) and curated for The San Antonio readers.
Who reported this story? This story was reported by Steven Sloan, Associated Press at KSAT 12 (ABC affiliate). To learn more about how The San Antonio selects and reviews stories, see our editorial standards .
Where can I find related coverage? See more local coverage from The San Antonio, or browse our daily briefing and topic hubs .
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