Washington, D.C. – President Donald Trump took to Truth Social to criticize Fox News for airing an interview between comedian Bill Maher and California Governor Gavin Newsom. Trump attacked both Maher and the network, claiming Maher failed to hold Newsom accountable during their conversation and accusing the network of looking “weak” for promoting the interview.
Trump’s Harsh Words for Bill Maher
In a post on Truth Social, Trump expressed his displeasure, writing, “Fox should stop putting this person on. He’s not representing us. You look weak, stupid, and ineffective, and I hate seeing that.” He also called Maher a “moron,” adding that he was “slightly more talented than Jimmy Kimmel.” Trump went on to share his personal opinion of Maher, recalling a dinner with the comedian at the White House in the previous year.
Trump described Maher as “nervous” and “scared,” saying his first words upon entering the Oval Office were, “Can I have a drink?” Trump referred to the moment as “very endearing but, at the same time, absolutely pathetic.”
Trump Criticizes Maher’s Performance
Trump also argued that Maher was outmatched by Newsom during the interview, claiming the comedian was unprepared to challenge the governor on key issues. “Bill Maher was defenseless, and totally deficient.
Either he didn’t have the knowledge, or he choked,” Trump stated, accusing Maher of failing to hold Newsom accountable on several important issues, including the state’s homelessness crisis and the high-speed rail project.
Trump pointed out the issues surrounding California’s high-speed rail project, which he claimed was “billions of dollars over budget and still unfinished.” He also took credit for efforts to address housing shortages, stating, “If it weren’t for our Superstar EPA Administrator Lee Zeldin, and me, they wouldn’t have any homes being built right now!”
Maher’s Challenge to Newsom
While Trump criticized Maher, the interview itself included moments where Maher did challenge Newsom on his record. During the conversation, Maher directly confronted the governor, saying, “Are they gonna say ‘good’ about gas prices? Are they gonna say ‘good’ about how high the rents are? I mean there’s a whole litany, I mean the train, Gavin, you gotta get rid of the train. I say this as a friend, you gotta let the train go.”
Fox News guest host Dr. Marc Siegel and co-host Tomi Lahren later praised Maher’s approach, particularly for pushing back on Newsom regarding the train project. Lahren expressed her approval, saying, “I loved seeing Maher challenge the governor on these points.”
Ongoing Tensions Between Trump and Newsom
This is not the first time Trump has taken aim at Newsom. In March 2026, Trump made controversial remarks about presidential candidates and learning disabilities, which many saw as a jab at Newsom’s known dyslexia. Trump’s comments sparked a public back-and-forth between the two, with Trump repeatedly labeling Newsom as “dumb” and a “cognitive mess” on Truth Social.
Newsom, in turn, has retaliated with his own sharp remarks. After Trump mistakenly referred to him as the President of the United States, Newsom mocked the error on social media, saying, “NO THANK YOU, WE BELIEVE IN FREE ELECTIONS!” He also called Trump a “brain-dead moron” in another post.
Public Backlash on Trump’s Remarks
Trump’s comments about Newsom’s dyslexia have faced criticism from advocacy groups. Jackie Rodriguez, chief executive of the National Center for Learning Disabilities, condemned Trump’s remarks, emphasizing that dyslexia does not impact a person’s ability to lead.
