One could not blame California Governor Gavin Newsom if he was expecting a softball interview from liberal comedian and friend Bill Maher on HBO last night. But Maher surprised everyone by exposing Newsom’s numerous failures after eight years in office.

As The New York Post reported, Newsom appeared on “Real Time with Bill Maher” to plug his memoir “Young Man in a Hurry: A Memoir of Discovery.” This book, of course, is going to function as a campaign novel of sorts when Newsom inevitably announces his run for president.

But Maher had a few other things on his mind, namely the major issues affecting his home state. And Newsom did not seem completely prepared.

After Newsom aired some of his grievances against President Trump and the Republican Party, Maher brought up some of the California governor’s most notorious failures.

The most notable ones brought up by the comedian included the state’s $231 billion train to nowhere, absurd gas prices, and rents.

Making things even funnier is Newsom essentially dared Maher to go this route.

WATCH:

Bill Maher just brought up some of Gavin Newsom’s biggest failures right to his face — including California’s DISASTROUS high-speed rail project, to which Maher said:

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

Newsom wasn’t expecting it and he was CRUSHED the… pic.twitter.com/WrlOEDlfwv

— Overton (@overton_news) May 2, 2026

MAHER: The other side, what they are going to say though is, but have you seen the stats from California?

NEWSOM: Good. One of the largest economies. Let’s go!

MAHER: Well, are they going to say good about gas prices?” Are they going to say good about how high their rents are?

So many people live…I mean there’s a whole litany. I mean the train! Gavin, you got to get rid of the train!

I say this as a friend, you got to let that train go! Let the train go.

It’s up to $231 billion.

Later in the interview, Newsom tried to explain why he was behaving like a loudmouthed, childish brat on social media but Maher remain unmoved.

Newsom then stepped on his own rake when he bragged about suing Fox News, and Maher responded by noting this was not any different than Trump suing media organizations for lying about him.

“But that does sound like him (Trump)!” Maher exclaimed.

Bill Maher stops Gavin Newsom mid-rant and forces him to confront how he’s copying Trump’s style at every turn.

The more Newsom tried to explain himself, the deeper he dug his own grave.

NEWSOM: “To me that’s the biggest reflection of this moment, is how…the…just the sewer… pic.twitter.com/4OgOgULYfY

— Overton (@overton_news) May 2, 2026

NEWSOM: To me that’s the biggest reflection of this moment, is how just the sewer that we are now living in because of Donald Trump. And he’s allowed all of us to feel free to shove again and I think if nothing else.

MAHER: But many people would say you are imitating him. 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 are suing Fox now, I understand.

NEWSOM: Fox better look to settle right now or apologize for defamation.

MAHER: Okay, but that sounds exactly what he does. Suing media?

NEWSOM: Well then don’t defame, don’t lie.

MAHER: Okay, again! But that does sound like him!

If both Republican and Democrat presidential campaigns are smart, they will use some of these clips from Maher’s interview.

Newsom’s failures as California Governor and petulant behavior are two massive albatrosses around his neck that are apparently weighing him down in the polls.

The post WATCH: A Cocky Gavin Newsom Gets HAMMERED by His “Friend” Bill Maher on Multiple Damning Failures During Surprisingly Tough Interview appeared first on The Gateway Pundit.