President Donald Trump unleashed a scathing critique of comedian Bill Maher on Saturday, condemning his interview with California Governor Gavin Newsom as weak and ineffective after the late-night host failed to challenge the Democratic governor’s portrayal of the Golden State’s condition.

Presidential Attack on Talk Show Performance

Trump posted a lengthy statement on Truth Social criticizing Maher’s May 4th interview with Newsom, claiming the comedian either lacked knowledge or “choked” during the exchange. The President characterized Newsom as a “Low IQ person” who dominated the conversation while making false claims about California’s success. Trump pointed to the state’s historic population decline, noting that for the first time in history, more people are leaving California than arriving.

The President recounted his private White House dinner with Maher last year, arranged through musician Kid Rock. Trump described the comedian as “nervous” and “scared,” claiming Maher’s first words upon entering the Oval Office were a request for alcohol. “It was very endearing but, at the same time, absolutely pathetic,” Trump wrote in his Truth Social post.

Maher’s Questioning Falls Short

While Maher did challenge Newsom during the Real Time interview about California’s high gas prices, expensive rents, and the troubled high-speed rail project, Trump argued these questions lacked follow-through. The comedian, a California native who has previously criticized the state’s tax burden and regulatory environment, appeared unable to counter Newsom when the governor talked over him and praised California’s management. Maher has shifted toward more centrist positions in recent years after building his career as a liberal voice.

Political Tensions Rise

Newsom’s social media team responded to Trump’s attack by claiming the interview triggered a presidential “meltdown.” The exchange highlights ongoing tensions between Trump and both Maher and Newsom as political positioning intensifies. Trump previously sued Maher years ago for $5 million after the comedian joked about paying that amount if Trump could prove he was not descended from an orangutan. The lawsuit was ultimately dropped, but the relationship between the two public figures has remained contentious despite their recent White House meeting.