'Diddy wasn't available?' Bill Maher hits Trump's Cabinet picks with scathing satire

Comedian Bill Maher used his opening monologue Friday night to mock President-elect Donald Trump's most controversial Cabinet nominations, including one whom he joked was only chosen because the rapper Diddy "was not available."

Beginning his show, "Real Time" on Friday night, Maher led off by noting that women are now pledging to deny sex as a rebuke to the nation electing Donald Trump.

"Well, all I can say is finally progressives found a way to turn something blue," he joked.

Maher also joked that liberals unhappy last week over the election got another dose of depression this week.

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"This week Trump picked his Cabinet and, uh, boy he hit the ground trolling," Maher quipped, calling out Kristi Noem, Robert F. Kennedy Jr., Pete Hegseth, Matt Gaetz and Tulsi Gabbard.

"Two basic qualities you need: absolute loyalty to Trump and a name that makes liberals cry," he said to laughs and applause. "So Trump's dream candidate is a service animal named 'Sugart--s.'"

Maher then jabbed Trump, joking the only reason he nominated Gaetz is that "Diddy was not available," referring to the rapper facing sex trafficking charges.

Maher continued attacking Gaetz, asserting that presidents often choose an attorney general who is familiar with Justice Department investigations — not a target of them. A House Committee has been investigating allegations against Gaetz including sexual misconduct with a minor. The Justice Department also investigated the allegations but chose not to charge him. Meanwhile, his associate took a plea deal in the case.

Gaetz denies any wrongdoing — but that didn't stop Maher from subjecting him to even more mockery.

"Matt is floating a new policy in the Justice Department — don't ask, don't card," he said to groans.

Maher then set his sights on Defense Department head nominee Pete Hegseth, a weekend co-host of "Fox and Friends" whom, the comedian joked, was only selected because Trump "found out that Jack Reacher was not a real guy."

"We'll be right back but first, more bombs," Maher said, mockingly imitating Hegseth.

After laughing that "Wheel of Fortune" star and model Vanna White will become education chief because she works with words, Maher said Hailey Welch — known for her viral "Hawk Tuah" clip — will become the next commerce secretary.

"That's what happens when you lose elections," he bemoaned. "And don't expect the normal Republicans to save you. There's no more Republicans. This is the Trump party and if he chooses Kanye to be ambassador to Israel, say, Hi' to Yeezus of Nazareth."

Watch the clip below or at this link.