Bill Maher criticizes artists who cancel or boycott planned performances at the Kennedy Center following efforts related to President Donald Trump’s name on the venue. Multiple outlets report that Maher characterizes the decision by anti-Trump performers as “so stupid,” arguing that Trump does not control comedy. The comments come amid a broader dispute over whether and how Trump’s name is placed on the Kennedy Center, which has prompted some artists to reconsider participation. Fox News reports Maher says he does not believe Trump “owns comedy,” while other coverage frames his remarks as a direct response to performers backing out of shows in protest. The New York Post similarly describes Maher’s criticism of artists who do not perform, tying it to Trump’s push for the naming change. Across the reports, Maher’s focus is on performers’ withdrawal from scheduled Kennedy Center events and the rationale provided for doing so. The coverage does not describe additional details about the cancellations beyond the connection to the naming controversy.