California Gov. Gavin Newsom faced pointed questions during a Friday night appearance on HBO’s “Real Time with Bill Maher,” where the discussion turned from a promotional appearance into a series of exchanges over policy issues and political messaging.

Newsom joined the program to discuss his memoir and current political topics, but host Bill Maher raised concerns about several ongoing challenges in California, including the state’s high-speed rail project, rising costs of living, and broader economic conditions.

Maher addressed the high-speed rail project directly, offering blunt criticism of its trajectory and cost. “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.”

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The project, which has faced delays and cost increases over the years, was referenced during the exchange as carrying a current estimated price tag of $231 billion.

Maher also raised broader concerns about economic conditions in the state.

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

Newsom responded by highlighting the state’s economic standing. “Good! Fourth largest economy. Let’s go!” he said.

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Maher continued, pointing to issues affecting residents. “Well… are they going to say good about gas prices?” he said.

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

The exchange included discussion of California’s cost of living, with Maher referencing gas prices and housing affordability as ongoing concerns raised by critics.

At one point, Maher reiterated his position on the rail project. “I say this as a friend, you got to let that train go!” he said again, emphasizing his view that the project should be reconsidered.

The conversation also turned to national politics, including comments from Newsom about President Donald Trump.

Newsom criticized the president’s approach to national unity following 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.

Maher responded by drawing a comparison between Newsom’s approach and the president’s communication style.

“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.

The discussion referenced Newsom’s public comments regarding Fox News.

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

Maher questioned the approach. “OK but that sounds exactly like what he does,” he said.

“Suing media?”

Newsom defended his position. “Well, don’t defame, don’t lie,” he said.