Bill Maher challenged California Gov. Gavin Newsom on his lawsuit against Fox News, telling him the legal action "sounds exactly like what [Trump] does, suing media." Maher made the comment during a Friday evening interview with the Democrat governor.
Newsom filed the defamation suit against the network in June. The governor has accused Fox News of publishing false statements about his record and policies. The network has characterized the lawsuit as an attack on free speech and editorial judgment.
Maher's comparison highlights a tension for Democrats who have criticized Trump's aggressive litigation against news organizations. Newsom's lawsuit targets a conservative outlet for coverage the governor views as inaccurate. The case raises questions about whether pursuing defamation claims against media outlets represents a legitimate legal remedy or an attempt to silence critical coverage.
Fox News has denied wrongdoing and argued the suit lacks legal merit. The network contends news organizations have broad protections under the First Amendment to publish opinions about public figures.
The lawsuit remains pending. Newsom has not publicly responded to Maher's analogy equating his legal strategy with Trump's approach to media critics.