Real Time with Bill Maher – Episode #691: Steve Bannon, Piers Morgan, Josh Rogin
Release Date: April 15, 2025
Host: Bill Maher
Guests: Steve Bannon, Piers Morgan, Josh Rogin

1. Military Parade on the 250th Army Anniversary

Discussion:
Bill Maher opens the episode by addressing reports that the Trump administration plans to hold a military parade on the 250th anniversary of the Army's founding, coinciding with President Trump’s birthday. The panel debates the implications of showcasing military power through public displays.

Key Points:

• Steve Bannon and Bill Maher express strong support for the parade, seeing it as a means to inspire patriotism and encourage military enlistment.
• Josh Rogin raises concerns about government spending priorities, questioning the efficiency of allocating defense dollars to parades rather than other needs.
• Piers Morgan compares the planned parade to similar events in the UK, highlighting that such displays are common in other countries.

Notable Quotes:

• Steve Bannon [01:44]: "It's a way to inspire people, as you know, Josh, young men and women to join the military."
• Bill Maher [02:20]: "I don't want America to get used to the sight of tanks in the streets. That's what I don't."

2. Rise of Religious Engagement Among Gen Z

Discussion:
The conversation shifts to the purported increase in religious activities among Generation Z in the UK. The panel explores the underlying reasons and the authenticity of these trends.

Key Points:

• Piers Morgan speculates that the decline in societal stability may drive young people towards religion as a source of comfort.
• Josh Rogin humorously dismisses the seriousness of the trend, citing his own daughter's disinterest in traditional religion.
• Bill Maher expresses skepticism, questioning the data behind the claim and noting the general decline in church attendance.

Notable Quotes:

• Piers Morgan [02:37]: "If you saw the state of our country right now, there's a lot to go and pray about."
• Josh Rogin [02:58]: "My daughter's too. Her only religion is Bluey."

3. Jeff Bezos’ All-Female Space Crew

Discussion:
The panel discusses Jeff Bezos' company, Blue Origin, launching an all-female crew that includes celebrities like Katy Perry and Gayle King. They debate the scientific merit and motivations behind this mission.

Key Points:

• Piers Morgan acknowledges the importance of space exploration but questions the inclusion of non-astronauts like Katy Perry.
• Josh Rogin sarcastically supports Bezos, revealing his loyalty despite disagreeing with some aspects.
• Bill Maher voices his personal reluctance to participate in such missions, emphasizing the perceived lack of necessity.

Notable Quotes:

• Bill Maher [03:04]: "Thank God I don't have kids."
• Josh Rogin [04:11]: "Jeff Bezos is my boss and I support him."

4. Appointment of Mike Huckabee as Ambassador to Israel

Discussion:
Bill Maher raises concerns about Mike Huckabee’s appointment as the U.S. Ambassador to Israel, questioning the nature of his relationship with Israel.

Key Points:

• Josh Rogin makes controversial remarks insinuating a malign relationship between Huckabee and Israeli interests.
• The panel briefly touches on the potential implications of such relationships on foreign policy.

Notable Quotes:

• Josh Rogin [05:17]: "The Jews have got to rule earth under hell. Right?"
• Bill Maher [05:32]: "I'm not a very observant, super duper. Christians love Israel."

5. Tax Policies and Economic Strategies

Discussion:
A significant portion of the episode focuses on tax policies, particularly the potential tax hikes on the wealthy and the administration's strategies to balance the economy through tariffs and tax cuts for the working and middle classes.

Key Points:

• Steve Bannon outlines a plan to abandon the donor class in favor of policies that favor the working and middle classes, including tax cuts on tips, overtime, and Social Security.
• Josh Rogin questions the feasibility of passing these tax measures, considering Congressional influences.
• Bill Maher expresses doubt about Congress’s willingness to act independently of executive directives.
• Steve Bannon defends the administration’s stance by citing historical examples where tariffs benefited the economy without causing inflation.

Notable Quotes:

• Steve Bannon [08:29]: "Republicans are going to abandon the donor class and... restore the economic viability of the working class and the middle class."
• Bill Maher [09:06]: "They do whatever he tells them to do."

6. Revival of Extinct Species: The Direwolf Example

Discussion:
The panel humorously debates the scientific endeavor to resurrect extinct species, specifically the direwolf, and the potential consequences of such actions.

Key Points:

• Bill Maher introduces the topic with skepticism about the practicality and safety of bringing back extinct species.
• Josh Rogin references "Jurassic Park," highlighting the risks associated with tampering with nature.
• Piers Morgan sarcastically suggests reviving Bill Maher himself, commenting on the ethical considerations of such scientific advancements.

Notable Quotes:

• Josh Rogin [10:48]: "What could go wrong?"
• Piers Morgan [10:56]: "Look how great that would be."

Conclusion

Bill Maher wraps up the episode by briefly mentioning upcoming topics and encouraging listeners to tune in for future discussions. The episode provides a blend of serious political discourse and lighthearted banter, reflecting the diverse perspectives of the guests.

Notable Moments:

• Steve Bannon's Advocacy for Military Parades and Economic Policies: Consistently emphasizes patriotic displays and economic strategies aimed at benefiting the working and middle classes.

• Piers Morgan's Critical Yet Supportive Stance: Offers comparisons to international practices while maintaining support for the discussed initiatives.

• Josh Rogin's Contrarian Views: Balances the conversation with skepticism and humor, particularly regarding space missions and tax policies.

• Bill Maher's Skeptical and Reflective Approach: Questions the normalization of military displays, the authenticity of religious trends, and the practicality of scientific advancements.

This episode of "Real Time with Bill Maher" provides a multifaceted discussion on current political strategies, societal trends, and scientific innovations, enriched by the diverse viewpoints of Steve Bannon, Piers Morgan, and Josh Rogin.