Bill Maher Blasts California’s Failed Democrat Leaders Amid L.A. Wildfire Devastation [WATCH]

On Friday’s episode of HBO’s Real Time with Bill Maher, the comedian and political commentator delivered a scathing critique of California’s Democratic leadership in his “New Rules” segment, focusing on the recent wildfires that have devastated parts of Los Angeles.

Maher’s monologue addressed what he described as failures in governance and misplaced priorities, blaming state and local leaders for poor preparation and response to the crisis.

Maher began by criticizing the state’s inability to handle the wildfires effectively, despite the high taxes Californians pay.

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“We may not be able to do much about the weather, but we do need a better plan to put out a burning city than waiting for rain,” he said, to applause from the audience.

He specifically highlighted issues such as water shortages in fire hydrants in the Pacific Palisades, a problem reported by Axios.

“That’s why I pay 13 percent of my income in this state every year—to people who I assumed were working on things like this,” Maher said.

The comedian also took aim at California Governor Gavin Newsom for deflecting questions about the lack of water in hydrants and criticized Los Angeles Mayor Karen Bass for her response to the fires. Referring to Bass as the “Nero of American politics,” Maher pointed out that she was overseas in Ghana while the city burned.

He mocked her explanation of the winds and dry conditions, saying, “Maybe look in the history books to see how our ancestors handled it back in 2011.”

Maher also highlighted budget cuts to the fire department, which he argued undermined the city’s ability to respond effectively.

He quoted the L.A. Fire Chief, who said the department was “screaming to be properly funded.”

According to Maher, budget cuts left numerous fire engines out of service, compounding the city’s inability to address the wildfire crisis.

When addressing those who questioned whether Californians should pay more taxes to fund preventive measures, such as burying power lines, Maher responded, “No, I want you to use the exorbitant taxes you already collect to prioritize it!”

Maher did not stop at infrastructure and budget issues. He also criticized what he described as an overemphasis on identity politics within local government.

He took issue with comments from the L.A. Fire Deputy Chief about ensuring first responders “look like you,” saying, “No one cares what any first responder looks like—just that they’re capable of saving them.”

We may not be able to do much about the weather, but we do need a better plan for putting out a burning city than waiting for rain. pic.twitter.com/6NXIAqHhIy

— Bill Maher (@billmaher) January 18, 2025

He acknowledged that wokeness was not the root cause of the fires but argued that it contributed to questionable budget priorities and governance.

“Common sense? We better get some of that back soon because wildfires in California are like boob jobs in a strip club—inevitable, and they’re only going to get bigger,” Maher quipped.

In a surprising moment, Maher admitted that former President Donald Trump was right about the importance of forest management, including raking forest floors to prevent the spread of fires.

Maher criticized the reflexive rejection of ideas simply because they come from Trump, saying, “We shouldn’t be attacking things that Trump says that are right just because he says it.”

Bill Maher admits Trump was right about forest management and prevention of fires:
Bill Maher: “Remember when we had a fire when Trump was president and he came and he said, you don’t rake! We all did jokes about it. We got to get over this thing.
I remember when he took… pic.twitter.com/GoCP3KtXs5

— Eric Abbenante (@EricAbbenante) January 18, 2025

Maher concluded his monologue by urging Californians to hold their leaders accountable, emphasizing that without change, the state will continue to face recurring disasters.

“You have to hold them accountable, or none of it changes,” he said, warning of a repeat of such failures in the future.

Maher’s segment highlights growing frustrations with Democratic leadership in California and raises questions about governance and priorities as the state grapples with its ongoing wildfire crisis.

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