Newsom is now sticking his nose in Trump’s latest fall out.
California Governor Gavin Newsom is inserting himself into the growing political dispute surrounding President Donald Trump and the sudden departure of former Homeland Security Secretary Kristi Noem.
Rather than criticizing Noem directly, the Democrat governor claimed she had been used as a “scapegoat” for policies crafted inside the Trump White House—while placing much of the blame on Stephen Miller, the president’s deputy chief of staff and one of the administration’s most influential immigration policy advisers.
The controversy erupted late Thursday when President Trump removed Noem from her position leading the Department of Homeland Security (DHS) and announced that Senator Markwayne Mullin (R-OK) would be his nominee to take over the role.
Reports indicate the decision followed frustration within the administration over testimony Noem delivered earlier in the week during a hearing before the Senate Judiciary Committee.
During the hearing, Senator John Kennedy (R-LA) pressed Noem on immigration enforcement policies. In her remarks, Noem discussed a $220 million national advertising campaign aimed at encouraging illegal immigrants to voluntarily return to their home countries rather than face deportation proceedings.
The exchange quickly gained attention in Washington and helped fuel speculation about tensions inside the administration.
Newsom Targets Stephen Miller
Newsom seized on the political shake-up while speaking in New Hampshire, where he was promoting his new book, Young Man in a Hurry.
During an appearance with liberal Gen-Z influencer Jack Cocchiarella, the governor was asked about Noem’s sudden exit from the Trump administration.
Instead of focusing on the former DHS secretary, Newsom directed his criticism squarely at Stephen Miller, who has long been associated with the administration’s aggressive immigration enforcement strategy.
Newsom argued that many of the policies implemented by the Department of Homeland Security were developed by White House advisers rather than the cabinet secretary herself.
According to the California governor, Miller has been the driving force behind the administration’s immigration agenda.
Social Media Attack
Following the event, Newsom posted a clip of his comments to the social media platform X, where he doubled down on his criticism.
In the post, the Democrat governor warned that Miller could become the next political target as debates over immigration policy intensify.
The comments quickly spread online, drawing reactions from supporters and critics of the Trump administration alike.
Immigration Remains a Key Political Issue
The dispute highlights how immigration and border security continue to dominate the national political conversation during President Trump’s second term.
Supporters of the administration argue that tougher enforcement measures—including encouraging voluntary departures—are necessary to restore order at the border and protect American communities.
Critics, meanwhile, say the policies go too far and place excessive pressure on federal agencies.
With the 2026 midterm elections approaching, immigration policy is expected to remain one of the most heated issues in American politics. The clash between Newsom and the Trump administration may be just the beginning of a much larger political battle.