HBO host Bill Maher said he is rooting for an economic recession to hit the U.S. soon because it would help get rid of President Donald Trump.
On his Friday night program "Real Time," Maher said the economy was going "pretty well" but felt like the "bottom has to fall out at some point."
"By the way, I'm hoping for it, because I think one way you get rid of Trump is a crashing economy," he said. "So please, bring on the recession. Sorry if that hurts people, but it's either root for a recession, or you lose your democracy."
Panelist John Heilemann, a frequent guest on MSNBC, said Trump was doing everything possible to hurt the strong economy, mocking him for simultaneously touting economic strength while decrying unfair trade practices.
"What the f—k are you talking about?" Heilemann said. "We have a good economy or a bad economy ... He's making no sense, but of course that is the refrain of the Trump administration."
Maher's comments weren't well-received.
Liberal commentator Dean Obediallah penned an op-ed for CNN calling the remarks "despicable," noting Maher would be shielded from an economic downturn by his immense wealth. MSNBC host Stephanie Ruhle said Monday that rhetoric like Maher's only helped Trump.
"When you see celebrities say I hope the economy bottoms out to get rid of Trump, I think that helps Trump," she said.