President Donald Trump has launched a blistering attack on comedian and talk show host Bill Maher, calling him 'pathetic' following Maher's recent interview with California Governor Gavin Newsom. The outburst, posted on Trump's Truth Social platform, reignites a long-running feud between the two.
Trump criticised conservative outlets, particularly Fox News, for giving Maher a platform, writing: 'I hate seeing Fox, and other Conservative Outlets, constantly making Low Rated Bill Maher “relevant” as it pertains to the Republican Party.' He urged Fox to stop featuring Maher, describing him as 'weak, stupid, and ineffective'.
Recalling a private dinner with Maher at the White House last year, orchestrated by mutual friend Kid Rock, Trump claimed Maher was 'nervous, scared, and the first words he uttered as he entered the Oval Office were, “Can I have a drink?”' Trump added: 'It was very endearing but, at the same time, absolutely pathetic.'
The president also took aim at Newsom, whom he referred to as 'Gavin Newscum, an admittedly Low IQ person', and claimed Maher was 'defenseless' during the interview. Trump's comments came after Fox's The Big Weekend Show discussed the interview, in which Maher compared Newsom's style to Trump's.
Newsom rejected the comparison, saying he was 'trying to put a mirror up to Donald Trump'. Maher has previously expressed confusion over Trump's assumption that their dinner would end criticism, stating: 'I never stopped criticizing him. I never said I would.'
The Independent has contacted Maher's representatives for comment.
