Comedian and HBO host Bill Maher called out the Boy Scouts of America for its recent decision to rebrand as “Scouting America”, arguing that such politically driven changes are exactly why voters gravitate toward President Donald Trump.
“This is the kind of thing that gets Trump elected,” Maher stated bluntly on his show “Real Time.” He mocked the move, saying it sounded like a parody headline straight from The Onion, questioning why the Boy Scouts needed to erase gender distinctions in the name of inclusivity.
Woke Rebranding Sparks Backlash
The Boy Scouts of America (BSA) announced the name change on its 115th anniversary, claiming it was meant to be more “inclusive” for all youth participants. However, the decision immediately sparked backlash from parents and traditionalists, who argue that the organization is abandoning its original mission in favor of leftist ideological trends.
Even former Democratic Congressman Tim Ryan, appearing on Maher’s show, admitted that this kind of progressive overreach alienates voters. Ryan noted that young boys, in particular, benefit from structured, male-oriented programs that emphasize discipline, skill-building, and personal development—values that could be diminished under a gender-neutral model.
“Boys need discipline, they need leadership, and they need an outlet that actually helps them develop into men,” Ryan said.
Trump and the Anti-Woke Movement Gain More Momentum
Maher’s critique underscores a growing frustration among Americans with forced cultural changes that seem more about virtue-signaling than practicality. He warned that these types of decisions fuel the backlash that strengthens Trump’s movement, as many voters see them as an attack on tradition and common sense.
This is far from the first time the Boy Scouts have caved to leftist activism. Over the past decade, the organization has faced membership declines, legal battles, and financial struggles after embracing policies that alienated many longtime supporters. Critics argue that pandering to woke ideology will only drive the Boy Scouts further into irrelevance.
Maher’s panel discusses the change of the ‘Boy Scouts’ title because ‘Boy’ is exclusionary:
Bill Maher: “The Boy scouts of America cannot be called boy scouts anymore because it’s exclusionary. It’s now scouting America.”
Tim Ryan: “This is targeted towards young boys, because… pic.twitter.com/aCQLz6DHGP— Eric Abbenante (@EricAbbenante) February 15, 2025
America Rejects Radical Rebranding
While the Boy Scouts leadership claims the name change will encourage growth, early reactions suggest that many families, particularly conservatives, see it as yet another example of woke activism destroying cherished institutions.
Maher’s comments reflect a broader cultural pushback, as millions of Americans grow weary of unnecessary, politically motivated changes to foundational organizations. With Trump leading the charge against woke overreach, moves like this only strengthen the appeal of his no-nonsense leadership.