President Trump has ripped into Bill Maher over the comedian and talk show host’s recent interview with California Governor Gavin Newsom.
Trump and Maher have a long history of criticism towards each other, but have also come together at times — notably sharing a private dinner at the White House last year.
However, the president reignited his feud with Maher Saturday in a vicious tirade on his Truth Social platform.
“I hate seeing Fox, and other Conservative Outlets, constantly making Low Rated Bill Maher ‘relevant’ as it pertains to the Republican Party, and beyond,” Trump wrote.
“Fox should stop putting this person on. He’s not representing us. You look weak, stupid, and ineffective, and I hate seeing that.”
The Daily Beast noted that the outburst came shortly after Fox’s The Big Weekend Show discussed the comedian’s Friday interview with Newsom on Real Time with Bill Maher.
Recalling his dinner with Maher, which their mutual friend, Kid Rock, orchestrated, Trump claimed Maher was “nervous, scared, and the first words he uttered as he entered the Oval Office were, ‘Can I have a drink?’ It was very endearing but, at the same time, absolutely pathetic.
“He was much different from what people think but, last night, I happened to watch Gavin Newscum, an admittedly Low IQ person, who said he can’t read a speech, is dumb, and essentially, incompetent, and he took Bill Maher ‘over the coals,’ Trump continued.
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“Bill Maher was defenseless, and totally deficient. Either he didn’t have the knowledge, or he choked, because Gavin went on and on about how good California is doing, while it’s doing very poorly, having, by far, the worst year it’s ever had.”
Trump concluded his post by calling on Fox not to platform Maher any longer, adding that he was a “MORON, though slightly more talented than Jimmy Kimmel.”
The Independent has contacted Maher’s representatives for comment.
Trump’s message came after The Big Weekend Show panel praised Maher for his combative interview with Newsom, in which he compared the California governor to Trump.
“Among all the people who may or may not be running, you are the one who kind of imitates his style with the trolling — you’re suing Fox now, I understand,” Maher said to Newsom. “That sounds exactly like what he does.”
Newsom rejected the comparison, characterizing his actions as a strategic reflection of his opponents.
“I’m trying to put a mirror up to Donald Trump,” Newsom said. “We’re just trying to reflect that reality and express the absurdity of all of this.”
On his show earlier this year, Maher recalled his confusion about why Trump assumed he would stop criticizing him after their dinner.
“I never stopped criticizing him,” Maher said. “I never said I would. I know how women feel now: A guy buys you dinner and expects you to put out. I’m not that guy.”