Bill Maher didn’t hold back on his latest HBO “Real Time” episode, unleashing a pointed critique of New York City Mayor Zohran Mamdani.

On Friday, Jan. 23, 2026, during his show, Maher labeled Mamdani a “straight-up communist,” drawing from remarks by the mayor’s adviser, Cea Weaver. Maher highlighted Weaver’s controversial statements, including a call to “elect more communists,” as evidence of Mamdani’s ideological leanings. He also warned Democrats that denying this association could lead to electoral losses, emphasizing the disconnect between such views and mainstream American values.

Maher’s Stark Warning to Democrats

The debate over Mamdani’s political stance has stirred significant discussion within Democratic circles, with some labeling him a socialist or democratic socialist.

Maher, however, aimed to cut through the noise, asserting his conclusion came from “reading between the lines” of Weaver’s public statements. Her role as director of the Mayor’s Office to Protect Tenants, appointed via executive order on Jan. 1, 2026, has only amplified the scrutiny.

Internet sleuths, as reported by the Daily Mail and Fox News, uncovered now-deleted posts from Weaver’s X account, revealing inflammatory takes on homeownership as “racist” and a “failed policy.”

Weaver’s Controversial Statements Unearthed

Weaver’s past remarks, including a call to “seize private property” and branding homeownership a “weapon of white supremacy,” have fueled the fire. Such rhetoric, Maher argued, hands political ammunition to opponents ready to paint Democrats as out of touch.

Critics argue that these statements, alongside Weaver’s alleged push to “impoverish the white middle class,” reflect an agenda far removed from the concerns of everyday Americans. While policy disagreements are inevitable, this level of rhetoric risks alienating a broad swath of voters.

Maher’s critique wasn’t just a jab at Mamdani; it was a broader caution to the Democratic Party about the perils of embracing extreme ideologies. His warning that “this is not a communist country” underscores a perceived mismatch with national sentiment.

Political Pendulum and Voter Choices

Speaking on the ideological spectrum, Maher noted, “the pendulum never lands in the middle.” He painted a picture of voters often stuck between unappealing extremes, whether crony capitalism or radical left-wing policies.

This binary choice, as Maher sees it, leaves little room for moderation, forcing voters into corners they might not naturally occupy. It’s a dynamic that could spell trouble for Democrats if they don’t address the perception of ideological drift.

Maher also referenced Mamdani’s intense victory speech from November, predicting it will become fodder for Republican attack ads. He quipped, “And if you missed his victory speech in last week’s mayoral election in New York, don’t worry. You’ll see it in every attack ad for the next two years.”

Mamdani’s Ideology Under Scrutiny

The mayor’s office, when approached by Fox News Digital for comment, has yet to respond, leaving questions about Weaver’s influence unanswered. This silence only adds to the narrative that Mamdani’s administration may be dodging accountability.

Maher has been consistent in his disapproval of Mamdani and the broader trend of democratic socialism, urging both voters and party leaders to steer clear. His past warnings, echoed again on Jan. 23, 2026, highlight a fear that such ideologies could become a liability for Democrats.

While acknowledging Mamdani “seems like a nice guy,” Maher’s underlying message is clear: personal likability won’t shield the party from electoral consequences if it veers too far left. The challenge for Democrats is navigating this tightrope without losing their base or the broader electorate.