Bill Maher Corners Gavin Newsom Over High-Speed Rail Disaster: ‘Let The Train Go’

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Comedian and HBO host Bill Maher pulled no punches in an interview with Governor Gavin Newsom (D-CA), grilling him about his recent Trump-like behavior and the billion-dollar black hole that is California’s proposed high-speed rail system.

Maher spoke to the California politician — who is term-limited out of his current office and widely expected to run for the 2028 Democratic presidential nomination — and pressed him on his record in The Golden State.

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Maher began by warning Newsom that as soon as he officially threw his hat into the presidential ring, Republicans would be begging to discuss his tenure as California governor.

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

Newsom did not appear to be bothered by the prospect, firing back, “Good! Fourth largest economy. Let’s go!”

“Well … are they going to say good about gas prices?” he replied. “Are they going to say good about how high their rents are? So many people live … I mean there’s a whole litany,” Maher cautioned before bringing up the train. “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.”

Newsom pushed back, claiming that he’d inherited the problem from previous administrations and blaming “legal challenges” and environmental concerns for the delays and added costs. He went on to say that the project was finally making progress and laying the first tracks. The project was initially funded in 2008 and should have been completed by 2020 at a cost of $33-45 billion. The cost has since ballooned to $231 billion and the project’s first phase may not see completion until 2032.

In addition to the rail project, Maher jabbed at Newsom over recent behavior he said mimicked that of President Donald Trump.

“Many people would say that you are imitating him,” Maher said, referencing legal threats Newsom recently made against Fox News.

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

“Okay, but that sounds exactly like what he does. Suing media?” Maher pressed again.

“Well, don’t defame, don’t lie,” Newsom said.

“Okay, again! But that does sound like him!” Maher said again.



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