Bill Maher takes aim at Gavin Newsom over California’s red tape, urges him to 'DOGE' the bureaucracy

WASHINGTON, DC: Bill Maher didn’t hold back during his recent interview with California Governor Gavin Newsom, taking aim at the state’s burdensome regulations. 

Maher vented his frustration over having to pay for multiple inspections for roof repairs after last year's wildfires, questioning the need for such bureaucratic red tape.

This isn’t the first time Maher has battled with California’s regulation-heavy system. Back in 2018, when Maher attempted to install solar panels, he faced over three years of delays due to endless permits and paperwork, as per True Sky Energy.

Now, after his roof was damaged in the wildfires, Maher is once again frustrated by the delays in getting it fixed. He also pressed Newsom on the inefficiencies surrounding the high-speed rail project and the state's bureaucracy.

Bill Maher confronts Gavin Newsom over California regulations

Bill Maher took the opportunity to confront California Governor Gavin Newsom over the persistent issues he faces with the state’s bureaucratic red tape, especially with regard to home repairs.

“Let’s talk about what’s important: my roof,” Maher told Newsom. Surprised, Newsom responded, “Your roof?” Maher firmly repeated, “My roof.”

He explained that after the wildfires damaged his roof, he followed official advice for repairs, only to face unnecessary obstacles, as per Fox News.

“Why do I need two inspections, which I have to pay for? You were here last time. We talked about regulations. You said, ‘Oh, it’s a completely new day,'” Maher pressed. “It’s my roof! If it falls on my head, that’s my problem.”

Newsom tried to steer the conversation to broader topics, referencing Ezra Klein’s book 'Abundance', which critiques a system too focused on process rather than results.

He promised to work on eliminating some of the hurdles, but Maher wasn’t convinced. “How’s that going?” Maher shot back, pointing out that Newsom’s promises hadn’t led to real change.

Newsom tried to justify the system, citing quick responses to emergencies like getting Interstate-10 up and running in just eight days after the fires, but Maher remained frustrated with the lack of real progress.

Maher raised another issue regarding California’s proposed high-speed rail project, criticizing the decision to build the rail line from Merced to Bakersfield instead of connecting Sacramento to San Diego.

Newsom gave an extensive response, though he avoided addressing Maher’s specific concern, which Maher called out. "It's why you'd be a good candidate. You play the game well," Maher said.

Maher went on to list various people involved in California’s bureaucratic process, including "regulators, administrators, inspectors, contract reviewers," as well as "project managers, fee assessors, special commissioners, zoning officers, consultants, contractors, lawyers, lobbyists, and even unions at times."

He then jokingly asked, "Can’t we just take a chainsaw to these people? Can’t we ‘DOGE’ the s**t out of these people?"

Internet slams Gavin Newsom as Bill Maher grills him over California regulations

After Bill Maher's interview in which he grilled Gavin Newsom over California's regulations, many internet users quickly took to social media to criticize Newsom for failing to turn his words into action.

One user wrote, "Regulations helps to defer money for salaries and support a bureaucracy process that never gets anything accomplished."

The second person agreed with Maher's take on California's regulations, "I agree with Maher that we are over-regulated . . . and the inspection process has become expensive, ridiculous, and many times politically motivated to meet Liberal's eco goals. While he's absolutely right 'it's my house', we do have to think about the safety of the new owner when he sells it." 

A commenter mocked, "Gavin looks confused as if someone tossed a flash bang into studio...lol."

A social media user slammed Gavin Newsom, "Gavin is a personal agenda guy: Regardless of what we  vote for, Gavin will do what he wants. This is the way he has run California. I have never voted for him, and never will. Our state has run up the biggest deficits in history with Newsom behind the helm." 

Someone else added, "Newsom is always the slimy politician great with his mouth and no action, just look at his record. It is what will sink him if he runs."

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