Bill Maher, the sharp-tongued host of a late-night talk show, recently leveled a striking observation at California Governor Gavin Newsom: he’s begun to mirror the very tactics of his political rival, Donald Trump. The comedian suggested Newsom isn’t just opposing Trump, but subtly adopting his style, a pattern that’s raising eyebrows among observers.
The critique centered on a recent post from Newsom’s press office on social media. It was a clear echo of Trump’s penchant for self-promotion and dramatic announcements, specifically mimicking the rollout of limited-edition passports commemorating the nation’s upcoming 250th birthday.
The post featured a mock driver’s license, styled with the same bold, all-caps lettering and grandiose signature – “President DONALD J. TRUMP” or “President DJT” – that Trump frequently employs. It was a deliberate imitation, and Maher didn’t hesitate to point it out.
Maher further pressed Newsom on his ongoing defamation lawsuit against Fox News, drawing a parallel to Trump’s own history of litigating against media outlets. He argued that the legal action felt remarkably similar to Trump’s aggressive tactics, a point Newsom deflected by stating simply, “Don’t defame, don’t lie.”
Newsom, however, defended his approach, claiming his intention isn’t imitation, but rather a deliberate attempt to expose the extraordinary nature of Trump’s presidency. He described Trump’s actions as bordering on the theatrical – “cosplaying as the pope, dressing up as Jesus, putting his face on Mount Rushmore.”
The governor acknowledged the criticism from Fox News, noting their outrage at his perceived “unbecoming” behavior, while conveniently ignoring years of similar antics from their favored candidate. He characterized Trump as a “manchild” and his own actions as a reflection of the “absurdity of all of this.”
Ultimately, Newsom framed his strategy as an effort to hold a mirror up to Trump, highlighting what he sees as a dangerous erosion of presidential dignity. He believes that by showcasing the outlandishness of Trump’s behavior, he can underscore the importance of upholding traditional standards of leadership.
Newsom’s goal, as he articulated, is to illuminate the unprecedented nature of the Trump era, using a dose of humor to underscore the gravity of the situation. He’s attempting to define Trump by exaggerating his tendencies, hoping to reveal the core of what he considers a fundamentally flawed approach to power.
