California Gov. Gavin Newsom blasted Donald Trump over his decision to appoint Stephen Miller as White House chief of staff. He called the appointment an insult to Americans who voted for change in Tuesday’s elections. His criticism followed a White House announcement confirming Miller would replace Susie Wiles.
Trump announced that Miller, currently deputy chief of staff, would assume the role on Monday, November 9, 2026. He described Miller as one of his most trusted advisers and praised Wiles for her work. The president also confirmed that Wiles would move to his political operation.
Reacting to the announcement on X, Newsom described Miller as “one of the most vile thugs to ever slither into the Oval Office.” “This is an insult to every American who voted for change on Tuesday,” he wrote.
The governor then turned his criticism toward Miller’s role in shaping immigration enforcement under Trump. He accused Miller of creating a mass deportation program that separated families and violated basic civil rights. “Innocent people are dead because of him,” he claimed.
Newsom closed by arguing that Tuesday’s election results reflected opposition to the policies Miller helped develop. “Voters rejected his cruelty and extremism. This is sick,” he wrote.
Gavin Newsom and Stephen Miller Clash Draws Divided Reactions
Newsom’s criticism drew mixed responses, with some questioning the appointment and others defending Miller while challenging the California governor.
One person identifying as a Republican opposed Trump’s decision, writing, “Agreed. And many of us Republicans who know Miller are absolutely against this.”
A retired teacher supported Newsom’s description of Miller, commenting, “As a retired teacher. A+. You could not have described it better.”
Another critic raised concerns about Trump’s immigration agenda and suggested Miller could take the blame for future decisions. The response stated, “I suspect his cruelty against us will ramp up and he will use Miller as a scapegoat.”
Looking ahead to the next election, another Trump critic predicted, “The American people will answer decisively once again in 2028.”
However, supporters defended Miller against Newsom’s accusations. One response praised his immigration enforcement record, stating, “he created an effective program that is applying the law”
Another accused Newsom of hypocrisy over his handling of California’s death row, writing, “The irony of calling Miller cruel while shielding convicted murderers from execution.”
Miller is scheduled to take office on November 9. The White House announcement did not outline any new immigration enforcement policies accompanying his appointment.
