Bill Maher Labels Trump’s Corporate Stakes as “Socialism”

During a Friday episode of “Real Time,” comedian Bill Maher asserted that President Donald Trump is “filling the gap” left by Republicans who label democratic socialists as communists. Maher pointed to recent federal actions that give the government ownership or control stakes in major private firms—specifically a 9.9 % share in Intel, a “golden share” that lets the administration outvote other shareholders in Nippon Steel’s merger with U.S. Steel, and a 15 % export-cut on Nvidia to China. He framed these moves as a departure from free-market norms and likened them to the policies championed by Senator Bernie Sanders.

The IndependentThe Hill

President Trump disclosed in April that federal holdings in Intel had generated “more than $30 billion” in revenue over several months after the administration authorized the investment last summer. The same period saw the government negotiate a revenue-sharing arrangement with Nvidia and intervene in Nippon Steel’s U.S. Steel merger, effectively giving the White House a decisive voice in boardroom decisions.

The Independent

Senator Bernie Sanders (I-VT) expressed support for the Intel investment, while Senator Rand Paul (R-KY) condemned it as “a terrible idea” and a “step toward socialism.” Maher highlighted this bipartisan split, noting that Sanders’ endorsement aligns with his broader push for government involvement in AI-related companies.

The Hill

President Trump has previously equated democratic socialism with communism in Oval Office remarks made in June. In response to Maher’s criticism, the administration has not issued a formal rebuttal, but the president’s earlier comments suggest he views the policy as a strategic counter to left-wing economic proposals.

The Hill

• “They have decided that the government wants to control 30 different companies. And Intel alone, which was a loser because of Nvidia, they have, they basically own 9.9% of that company,” — Guest Tara Palmeri, a journalist

The Independent

• “And President Trump, after they invested in this company, he then went on to buy stocks in Nvidia, which shot up 200%. Okay, so he actually made a ton of money on this. His government created a floor on a stock. That he owns! It’s crony capitalism too!” — Maheraccused President Trump, comedianbill maheraccused president

The Independent

• “Donald Trump was out there saying we need to maybe fire the CEO of Intel because I think he’s a Chinese spy,” — Matt Welch

The Independent

These remarks illustrate the contention that the Trump administration’s direct stakes in private enterprises represent an unprecedented level of governmental influence over corporate governance.

The Independent