The HBO host’s surprising remarks come as newly released FBI statistics reveal a dramatic nationwide drop in violent crime.
For years, Democrats portrayed Donald Trump as a threat to American democracy, warning that his return to the White House would put the country on a dangerous path. But a recent discussion on HBO has given Republicans an unexpected talking point: liberal comedian Bill Maher has acknowledged that Trump’s hard-line public image may be contributing to a decline in crime.
The remarks came as the FBI released its 2025 crime statistics, revealing substantial reductions in murders, robberies, and other offenses. The figures show a historic improvement in national crime rates, although experts caution that the reasons behind the decline are complex.
Maher, who has frequently criticized Trump, nevertheless argued that the president’s tough-guy persona could have an effect on criminal behavior.
