Gavin Newsom grilled by Bill Maher over his biggest failures

California Gov. Gavin Newsom walked into friendly territory — and still got hammered.

During a Friday night appearance on Real Time with Bill Maher, the Democrat was supposed to plug his memoir and trade political jabs. Instead, host Bill Maher put Newsom on the spot over the very issues dogging his leadership in the state.

Maher, who’s previously encouraged Newsom to run for president, didn’t hold back, especially when it came to California’s long-troubled high-speed rail project.

“I say this as a friend, you got to let that train go!”

The blunt advice came as Maher ticked through the Golden State’s mounting problems — sky-high gas prices, crushing rents and a laundry list of economic complaints that critics say define Newsom’s tenure.

“The other side, what they are going to say though is, but have you seen the stats from California?” Maher pressed.

“Good! Fourth largest economy. Let’s go!” Newsom fired back.

Maher wasn’t buying it.

“Well… are they going to say good about gas prices?” he replied. “Are they going to say good about how high their rents are? So many people live…I mean there’s a whole litany.”

Then came the kicker — the state’s infamous rail project, now carrying a jaw-dropping price tag.

“I mean the train! Gavin, you got to get rid of the train!” Maher said. “I say this as a friend, you got to let that train go! Let the train go.”

“It’s up to $231 billion.”

The moment appeared to catch Newsom off guard, his expression shifting as the criticism landed.

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The exchange touched on a growing political vulnerability for the governor, who has spent years touting California as a model for the nation — even as residents grapple with rising costs and stalled infrastructure promises.

Elsewhere in the interview, Newsom pivoted to national politics, blasting President Donald Trump in the wake of a recent assassination attempt.

“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,” Newsom said.

But Maher again drew a sharp contrast, suggesting Newsom’s own combative style mirrors the president’s.

“But many people would say that you are imitating him… You are the one who kind of imitates his style with the trolling,” Maher said, pointing to Newsom’s legal threats against Fox News.

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

“OK but that sounds exactly like what he does,” Maher replied. “Suing media?”

Newsom didn’t budge: “Well, don’t defame, don’t lie.”