HBO’s Bill Maher on Friday mocked Caitlyn Jenner’s bid for California governor after the former Olympian and transgender activist announced her GOP campaign.
“I know that you think of her as a reality show star, but come on. People change,” Maher said on his show. “She is trans, rested and ready. She’s got a great slogan: ‘Take the sack out of Sacramento.'”
Jenner’s bid makes her one of the most well-known candidates to challenge Gov. Gavin Newsom (D) in the recall election. Maher panned the recall as “stupid” while noting that Jenner is a lifelong Republican.
“I love that about her. Wasn’t always sure about the man-woman thing, but low capital gains taxes — born that way,” Maher said.
“And a lot of people, of course, are saying, ‘Isn’t it strange for a trans woman to be in a party that is passing anti-trans laws all over the country?’ And Caitlyn said, ‘Yeah, I get that. It’s just something about being in a party that doesn’t respect me that makes me feel like I’m home with the Kardashians,'” Maher added.
The comedian and liberal commentator’s remarks drew pushback online from critics who called them transphobic.
Maher’s segment follows “The View” co-host Joy Behar misgendering Jenner on the ABC show Friday when discussing her run for governor. Jenner responded Saturday by telling Behar not to “sweat it” and focusing instead on her gubernatorial bid.