Bill Maher says Western civilization is ‘better’ on Real Time to applause
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Comedian Bill Maher argued that the idea of Western civilization is real and worth defending, highlighting Vice President J.D. Vance’s recent comments on a trip to Hungary on Friday’s episode of “Real Time.”
“Another thing J.D. Vance said is, ‘We’ll be with you for Western civilization,’” Maher began, referring to comments the vice president made in support of Hungarian Prime Minister Viktor Orbán while framing his government as a defender of Western civilization.
Speaking to Iraq and Afghanistan Veterans of America founder Paul Rieckhoff and author Douglas Murray, Maher said Orbán had “gone too far” in some respects, but added: “I think we both believe there is such a thing as Western civilization.”
“If you said ‘Clash of civilizations’ after 9/11, that was the beginning of the awakening… ‘Don’t say that, it’s Islamophobia,'” Maher said.
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Bill Maher in “Real Time.” (Screenshot/HBO)
“No, it was a clash of civilizations; civilizations are very different and ours is better.”
The audience applauded, then Maher expanded on the topic.
“And if you don’t applaud, spend a week in the Muslim capital, you won’t be able to stand it, especially as a woman,” she said.
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Hungarian Prime Minister Viktor Orban speaks at a press conference with U.S. Secretary of State Marco Rubio in Budapest, Hungary, Monday, February 16, 2026. (Alex Brandon/Pool/AP)
Maher’s remarks largely referenced Vance’s visit to the Central European country to help push Orbán closer to victory as Hungarians head to the polls this Sunday.
Orbán, Trump’s ally and the longest-serving European Union leader, is currently trailing in the polls, according to the Associated Press.
Maher, who opened the debate, criticized Orbán’s ties with Russia and questioned the pressure for his re-election.
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Vice President J.D. Vance laughs at the sound of President Donald Trump making remarks at the Friendship Day event with Hungarian Prime Minister Viktor Orban at MTK Sportpark in Budapest, Hungary on April 7, 2026. (Jonathan Ernst/Reuters)
“Russia is basically running his campaign. Russia is campaigning for him to win, we’re campaigning for him to win. We’re working with Russia on the same guy…to win an election?” he asked.
“I don’t quite understand that.”
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Murray, meanwhile, outlined some of the arguably positive measures taken by Orbán, including closing his country’s borders to mass migration, which other EU countries welcomed.
He also voiced opposition to Orbán’s ties with Russia, which he attributed in part to Hungary’s dependence on Russian oil and gas.
