Maher Tells Newsom His Fox News Lawsuit Sounds 'Exactly Like' Trump

Bill Maher confronted California Governor Gavin Newsom on Friday over his $787 million defamation lawsuit against Fox News, telling the governor that suing a media outlet sounds "exactly like" something Donald Trump would do.

The Details

Newsom appeared on HBO's 'Real Time with Bill Maher' on May 1, 2026, ostensibly to promote his memoir, but the conversation quickly turned to the governor's ongoing legal battle with Fox News and whether his political style has come to mirror the president he opposes.

Maher drew a pointed comparison between Newsom and Trump, telling the governor: "Many people would say that you are imitating him... You're the one who kind of imitates his style with the trolling. You're suing Fox now, I understand."

Newsom pushed back, defending the lawsuit with a direct threat toward the network: "We're going into discovery. Fox better look to sell or apologize for defamation."

Maher was unpersuaded. "Well, don't defame. Don't lie," Newsom added, but Maher cut through the justification: "OK but that sounds exactly like what he does. Suing media? That does sound like him."

The lawsuit stems from segments featuring Fox News host Jesse Watters, who accused Newsom of lying about a phone call he had with President Trump during protests in Los Angeles. Newsom filed the $787 million defamation suit in August 2025.

The day before Newsom's 'Real Time' appearance, a Delaware judge delivered a significant legal development in the case. Judge Sean P. Lugg denied Fox News's motion to dismiss on April 30, 2026, ruling it "reasonably conceivable" that Fox intentionally pushed false claims about the governor. The lawsuit will now proceed to discovery.

Fox News responded to the ruling with a statement: "We respectfully disagree with the court's decision and plan to vigorously defend against this frivolous lawsuit as it's nothing more than a blatant attempt to silence free speech and weaken the First Amendment."

On the show, Newsom also addressed criticism of his broader political approach — including his Trump-mimicking social media activity, which has included mocking Joe Rogan as "Little Guy" and deploying ALL CAPS posts that echo Trump's characteristic posting style. The governor framed it as a deliberate strategy.

"Here's the point, I'm trying to put a mirror up to Donald Trump, and I think it's important — with a sense of humor, as well," Newsom said. "This is a guy cosplaying as the pope. Dressing up as Jesus. Putting his face on Mount Rushmore. None of this is normal."

Maher, who has previously urged Newsom to run for president in 2028 and has been generally supportive of the governor, was notably less sympathetic on the lawsuit question.

Context

Newsom filed the $787 million defamation suit against Fox News and host Jesse Watters in August 2025 over claims about a phone call between Newsom and President Trump during protests in Los Angeles. Since filing the suit, Newsom has adopted a combative, Trump-style social media presence — including mocking Joe Rogan as "Little Guy" and using ALL CAPS posts. Trump himself, since 2024, has forced major media companies including Disney and Paramount into settlements over lawsuits.

What's Next

With Fox's motion to dismiss denied, the case moves into the discovery phase. Newsom has said Fox News should "look to sell or apologize." Fox News has stated it will "vigorously defend" the suit.