Politics
Bill Maher Surprised by U.S. Economic Resilience

Clear Facts
- Bill Maher admitted on his podcast that he was wrong about predicting Trump’s tariffs would harm the U.S. economy by July.
- Economic indicators such as the stock market, manufacturing output, and jobless claims have shown strength contrary to Maher’s expectations.
- Trump has secured significant trade deals with the European Union, Japan, and the Philippines during his second term.
In a surprising turn of events, comedian Bill Maher openly acknowledged on his “Club Random” podcast that his dire predictions regarding President Donald Trump’s tariffs were off the mark. Maher had initially believed, along with many others, that these tariffs would wreak havoc on the U.S. economy by July.
However, the anticipated economic downturn has yet to materialize. Maher candidly reflected on his earlier stance, saying,
“I remember I, along with probably most people, were saying at the beginning, ‘Oh, you know, by the 4th of July’ — somebody had a thing — how the economy was going to be tanked by then. And I was kind of like, ‘Well, that seems right to me.’ But that didn’t happen.”
He further expressed his surprise at the current economic climate, noting,
“[T]he truth is, I don’t know what his strategy is. But look, the stock market is at record highs. I know not everybody lives by the stock market, but I also drive around. I don’t see a country in a depression at all.”
Maher admitted his misjudgment, stating,
“I would have thought — and I gotta own it — that these tariffs were going to fucking sink this economy by this time — and they didn’t.”
The positive economic indicators Maher referenced include a robust stock market and an increase in manufacturing output, which rose by 0.1% in June following a 0.3% increase in May. Additionally, U.S. jobless claims have decreased for six consecutive weeks, reaching a three-month low.
Retail sales have also shown resilience, with a 0.6% rebound in June, surpassing expectations. These figures highlight a stronger-than-anticipated economic performance.
Furthermore, President Trump has successfully negotiated significant trade agreements with the European Union, Japan, and the Philippines, showcasing his administration’s focus on international trade relations.
Maher’s admission serves as a reminder that economic predictions can often be unpredictable, and the reality may defy expectations.
Let us know what you think, please share your thoughts in the comments below.
D. Elwood
July 29, 2025 at 5:55 am
Typical leftist. They just don’t understand capitalism.
J
July 29, 2025 at 6:18 am
Sometimes in business you have to push others to come to your table. And that is what the President did.
David
July 29, 2025 at 6:24 am
If countries exert high tariffs unfavorable to the US, and if those countries highly depend upon the US market for incoming revenue, then high tariffs imposed by Trump (done so to level the trade playing field) may drastically reduce that incoming revenue for those countries…so, it becomes in the better financial interest (incoming revenue-wise) to lower tariffs unfavorable to the US…in the end, Trump’s pressure-intended tariffs have been increasingly effective…the issue involves trust (in the result)…
Bob
July 29, 2025 at 8:13 am
Was Maher surprised or just disappointed?
MikefromTexas
July 29, 2025 at 1:33 pm
He even went to the white house and had dinner with the President. I think he has some how calmed down in his blaming Trump and is doing a wait and see.
Roger E Lindberg
July 29, 2025 at 1:54 pm
I don’t care what Maher says, he’s a comedian and we have sufficient comedians in congress.
James Flynn
July 29, 2025 at 7:07 pm
It is becoming apparent that Trump is right almost always. And he is just getting started. It may take a while, but I think Dems may become extinct very shortly.
they have a habit of getting their ass kicked on everything. I could not be happier to see them vanish soon.