Comedian and talk show host Bill Maher will receive the Mark Twain Prize for American Humor from the Trump Kennedy Center, it was announced Thursday. The confirmation of Maher's selection follows a period of public uncertainty, as White House officials had previously denied reports of his nomination for the esteemed award.

Maher, 70, host of HBO’s “Real Time,” is scheduled to be honored at a gala ceremony on June 28. The event, presented by the Trump Kennedy Center, will be made available for streaming globally on Netflix.

Reports indicating Maher's selection for the prize began circulating last week. However, White House press secretary Karoline Leavitt publicly dismissed these initial reports. Leavitt stated, "This is fake news. Bill Maher will NOT be getting this award," days before the official announcement confirmed his receipt of the honor.

Responding to the news, Maher offered a characteristic humorous take on the recognition. He expressed gratitude to the organizers of the award, quipping, "I just had the award explained to me, and apparently it’s like an Emmy, except I win." He further reflected on the literary namesake of the prize, noting, "I’d just like to say that it is indeed humbling to get anything named for a man who’s been thrown out of as many school libraries as Mark Twain."

The Mark Twain Prize for American Humor, established in 1998, celebrates individuals who have had a significant impact on American society through humor and social commentary, embodying the spirit of author Samuel Clemens. Maher's long-standing career is marked by his incisive political satire and commentary, delivered across various platforms including his popular late-night program. His selection places him among a distinguished group of past recipients recognized for their contributions to American comedy and cultural discourse.