President Trump sharply criticized comedian Bill Maher, calling him “defenseless and totally deficient” after watching Maher’s interview with California Governor Gavin Newsom, as reported by the New York Post.

In a Truth Social post shared on Saturday, Trump accused Maher of being “weak and ineffective” in challenging Newsom, saying the talk show host failed to press the Democrat on issues affecting California.

“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 wrote.

Trump continued, “Either [Maher] 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 where, for the first time in History, more people are leaving than coming.”

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Maher, known for his liberal commentary, has in recent years shown more willingness to criticize progressive policies. His interview with Newsom on “Real Time With Bill Maher” was described as an attempt to address concerns about the state’s performance.

During their exchange, Maher pressed Newsom on key issues such as cost of living and infrastructure.

“Are they going to say good about gas prices? Are they going to say good about how high the rents are?” Maher asked. “There’s a whole litany. I mean the train. Gavin, you got to get rid of the train.”

The “Real Time” host, a California native, has repeatedly criticized the state’s high taxes and strict regulatory environment. Still, Trump said Maher failed to challenge Newsom effectively during their televised conversation.

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“Bill Maher is a weak and ineffective person who I got to know very well during my dinner with him at the White House,” Trump added, referencing a meeting between the two last year.

The former president claimed Maher appeared uneasy at the dinner, writing, “He 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.”

Trump’s post also recalled a past lawsuit he brought against Maher years ago after the comedian jokingly offered $5 million if Trump could prove he was not the offspring of an orangutan.

According to Trump, the latest exchange showed Maher “choked” under pressure as Newsom defended California’s record.

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Meanwhile, Newsom’s official social media account reacted breezily to Trump’s critique. In a short post, the account said the interview had caused a presidential “meltdown.”

The remarks sparked further debate online about Maher’s shifting political stance and Trump’s willingness to reignite old rivalries.

Neither Maher nor Newsom responded publicly beyond what was shared on social media, leaving Trump’s Truth Social post as the latest volley in their ongoing war of words.