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Comedian Bill Maher pointed to Vice President JD Vance's recent remarks on a trip to Hungary during Friday's episode of “Real Time,” suggesting that the idea of Western civilization is real and should be defended.
“One thing JD Vance said is, 'We're going to fight you in Western civilization,'” Maher began, referring to comments the vice president made in support of Hungarian Prime Minister Viktor Orbán while positioning his government as a defender of Western civilization.
Maher, speaking with Iraq and Afghanistan Veterans of America founder Paul Rieckhoff and author Douglas Murray, said Orbán is “going too far” in some ways but added, “I think you and I both believe there is such a thing as Western civilization.”
“Remember after 9/11, when you say 'clash of civilizations,' it was the beginning of that awakening where… 'Oh, don't say that, that's Islamophobia,'” Maher said.
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Bill Maher on “Real Time.” (Screenshot/HBO)
“No, it was a clash of civilizations – civilizations are very different and ours is better.”
The audience applauded, after which Maher expanded on his point.
“And if you don't clap, stay for a week in the Islamic capital, you won't stay – especially as a woman,” he said.
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Hungarian Prime Minister Viktor Orban speaks during a news conference with US Secretary of State Marco Rubio in Budapest, Hungary, Monday, Feb. 16, 2026. (Alex Brandon/Pool/AP)
Maher's comments were a direct reference to Vance's visit to the central European nation to help Orbán move closer to victory as Hungarians head to the polls on Sunday.
Orbán, Trump's ally and the European Union's longest-serving leader, is currently trailing in the polls, according to the Associated Press.
Leading the debate, Maher criticized Orbán's ties to Russia and questioned his push for re-election.
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Vice President JD Vance laughs at President Donald Trump's arrival as he delivers his remarks at a Friendship Day event with Hungarian Prime Minister Viktor Orban at MTK Sportpark in Budapest, Hungary, April 7, 2026. (Jonathan Ernst/Reuters)
“Russia is running its campaign. Russia is campaigning for him to win, and we are campaigning for him to win. We are working with Russia for the same guy… to win the election?” he asked.
“I just don't get that.”
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Murray, on the other hand, described some of the positive steps that Orbán could take, including closing his country's borders to allow mass immigration to other EU countries.
He also expressed his disapproval of Orbán's relationship with Russia, which he said was partly due to Hungary's reliance on Russian oil and gas.
