Maher Presses Newsom Over Rail, Costs, WHCD Shooting
PUBLISHED May 2, 2026, 1:24 AM ET
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United States — During a Friday night broadcast on HBO's Real Time, host Bill Maher directly questioned California Governor Gavin Newsom about the state's long-troubled high-speed rail project, rising gas prices and housing costs while Newsom promoted his memoir; the exchange shifted from promotion to policy scrutiny with on-air remarks urging Newsom to 'let the train go.' On the same program this week Newsom also described the April 25 White House Correspondents' Dinner shooting as 'evil' and criticized President Trump's post-incident social media response; Maher cited a $231 billion current estimate for the rail project, and the segment produced renewed public scrutiny, political commentary and immediate calls for clearer fiscal oversight and communication.
By Emily Rhodes | JQJO News
Timeline of Events
- California's high-speed rail project accumulated delays and rising cost estimates over multiple years.
- April 25 — White House Correspondents' Dinner shooting occurred and gained national attention.
- Friday following April 25 — Governor Gavin Newsom appeared on HBO's Real Time with Bill Maher.
- During that appearance Maher pressed Newsom about the high-speed rail and cited a $231 billion estimate.
- Newsom called the April 25 shooting 'evil' on-air and criticized President Trump's post-incident response.
News Intelligence
- California's high-speed rail project affects your tax dollars. The current estimate is a whopping $231 billion. Rising gas and housing costs also hit your wallet. You can voice your concerns to your local representative.
- Articles Published:
- 4
- Right Leaning:
- 3
- Left Leaning:
- 0
- Neutral:
- 1
- Distribution:
- Left 0%, Center 25%, Right 75%
Conservative and critical commentators benefited by amplifying scrutiny of Governor Newsom's high-speed rail project and economic record, generating audience engagement and reinforcing narratives about fiscal mismanagement.
Governor Gavin Newsom experienced increased public scrutiny over the high-speed rail project's costs and California's economic pressures after on-air questioning during a national television appearance.
Coverage of Story:
From Left
No left-leaning sources found for this story.
From Right
Bill Maher Confronts Gavin Newsom's High-Speed Rail Boondoggle to His Face [WATCH]
Objectivist LifeZette Washington Times
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