Bill Maher grills Gavin Newsom for 'imitating Trump' over Fox News lawsuit: 'Sounds like him'

LOS ANGELES, CALIFORNIA: Bill Maher pressed California Governor Gavin Newsom during a recent episode of HBO’s 'Real Time with Bill Maher,' questioning his legal battle with Fox News and the broader political approach behind it.

Maher suggested Newsom’s style and rhetoric around the lawsuit were beginning to resemble the tactics of Donald Trump, sparking a sharp exchange between the two.

Bill Maher calls out Gavin Newsom’s Trump-style rhetoric on HBO 'Real Time'

Gavin Newsom appeared on the show to promote his memoir, 'Young Man in a Hurry: A Memoir of Discovery,' but the discussion quickly shifted to current political tensions and national events.

Newsom criticized Donald Trump’s response to a recent assassination attempt, arguing that the former President’s messaging reflected deeper divisions in the country.

“What did [Trump] do the day after [the assassination attempt]? He talked about the beach photo and the indictment of one of his enemies,” Newsom said, referencing Trump’s comments about James Comey over a social media post. 

He added, “He’s not doing anything to try to unite this country in any way, shape, or form. To me, that’s the biggest reflection of this moment — just the sewer we’re now living in because of Donald Trump.”

Maher pushed back, suggesting Newsom was not as distant from that style as he implied.

“But many people would say that you are imitating him… You are the one who kind of imitates his style with the trolling. You’re suing Fox now, I understand,” Maher said.

Bill Maher links Gavin Newsom’s Fox News lawsuit to Trump legal tactics

Newsom defended his lawsuit against Fox News, arguing the network should be held accountable for its reporting.

“Fox better look to settle right now or apologize for defamation,” Newsom said firmly.

Maher pointed out that Donald Trump has frequently used litigation as a political and media strategy, including costly disputes with major companies and outlets.

The comparison shifted the tone of the conversation, with Maher suggesting the approach itself was becoming increasingly familiar across political lines. 

Bill Maher says Gavin Newsom’s tactics mirror Trump approach

As the discussion continued, Maher repeatedly returned to the idea that Newsom’s strategy closely resembled Trump’s approach to media conflict.

When Newsom defended his position by saying, “Well, don’t defame, don’t lie,” Maher remained unconvinced that the intent changed the optics.

He closed the exchange by reinforcing the comparison, telling the Governor, “That does sound like him.”

The moment underscored Maher’s broader point that political communication styles across party lines are beginning to converge in tone and tactics.