On Friday’s episode of Real Time , Bill Maher refused to speculate about President Donald Trump ’s relationship with aide Natalie Harp . Maher said he was avoiding another lawsuit after Laura Loomer sued him over a 2024 joke about her alleged relationship with Trump. Maher brought up Harp while discussing Sen. Jon Ossoff of Georgia, who had referenced the aide during criticism of Trump. Harp has drawn attention for traveling with Trump and carrying a portable printer to produce flattering news coverage for him, but Maher stopped short of interpreting their personal dynamic. Why Did Bill Maher Stop There? Maher told the audience that Loomer’s lawsuit had taught him how costly and unpleasant defamation litigation can be, even though a federal judge dismissed the case in April. The judge found that Maher’s comments during a September 2024 Real Time episode were jokes rather than actionable factual claims; Loomer had sought $150 million from Maher and HBO. Instead of joining the rumor cycle, Maher defended Harp’s work ethic and described her as intensely devoted to Trump’s operation. Maher also mentioned that Harp survived bone cancer in her 20s and reportedly credits Trump’s support for accelerated experimental treatment with helping her, while criticizing the public appetite for turning her into a new target. New episodes of Real Time with Bill Maher air Fridays at 10 p.m. ET on HBO. The takeaway is classic Maher: make the joke, explain the lawsuit risk, then hand the internet the mess.