Bill Maher Challenges Gavin Newsom: 'You Sound Exactly Like Trump' Over Fox News Lawsuit

Comedian and political commentator Bill Maher sharply questioned California Governor Gavin Newsom (D-Calif.) over his defamation lawsuit against Fox News, warning the governor that he was beginning to sound “exactly” like former President Donald Trump.

Newsom appeared on Real Time With Bill Maher on Friday, where Maher pressed him to explain how his legal action against Fox News differed from Trump’s repeated defamation lawsuits against mainstream media outlets.

“Many people would say that you are imitating him,” Maher noted after Newsom criticized Trump’s “sewer” rhetoric. “Among all the people who may — or may not — be running, you’re the one who kind of imitates his style with the trolling. You’re suing Fox now, I understand it.”

Newsom responded defiantly, stating, “We’re going into discovery. Fox better look to sell or apologize for defamation.” Maher immediately pushed back, telling Newsom that his response sounded “exactly” like Trump.

“Well, don’t defame. Don’t lie,” Newsom doubled down, prompting Maher to argue that the governor’s stance mirrored Trump’s own attacks on the press.

“Here’s the point, I’m trying to put a mirror up to Donald Trump, and I think it’s important — with a sense of humor, as well,” Newsom said. “The deviation of normalcy is off the chart. This is a guy cosplaying as the pope. Dressing up as Jesus. Putting his face on Mount Rushmore. None of this is normal.”

Newsom also criticized Fox for condemning his social media behavior—meant to emulate Trump’s own posts—as “unbecoming.” He added, “No situational awareness that their dear leader has been doing this for years and years and years. He’s a manchild. And so, I think it’s important to call that out … But, again, we’re not trying to dehumanize, we’re just trying to reflect that reality and express the absurdity.”

Fox News Responds to Newsom’s Lawsuit

Newsom’s defense of his defamation lawsuit came one day after a Delaware judge allowed his $787 million claim to proceed. Judge Sean P. Lugg ruled that it was “reasonably conceivable” Fox intentionally spread false claims about Newsom, including accusations that he lied about a phone call with Trump during Los Angeles protests.

Fox News Media responded with a statement to TheWrap on Thursday, saying, “We respectfully disagree with the court’s decision and plan to vigorously defend against this frivolous lawsuit as it’s nothing more than a blatant attempt to silence free speech and weaken the First Amendment.”

Fox had previously filed to dismiss the lawsuit in August 2023, calling it a political stunt. Newsom fired back at the time, stating, “If Fox News wants to lie to the American people on Donald Trump’s behalf, it should face consequences — just like it did in the Dominion case.”

“I believe the American people should be able to trust the information they receive from a major news outlet,” Newsom added. “Until Fox is willing to be truthful,”