Newsom accuses Trump of turning DOJ into 'private police force' in explosive attack

WASHINGTON, DC: California Governor Gavin Newsom launched a fresh attack on President Donald Trump's Justice Department plans on Wednesday, June 10, accusing the president of turning federal law enforcement into a tool for political retaliation following the nomination of Acting Attorney General Todd Blanche to permanently lead the department.

The latest broadside marks the second time in recent days that Newsom has targeted Blanche as Democrats intensify criticism of the president's decision to elevate one of his closest legal allies to the nation's top law enforcement position.

Gavin Newsom questions Todd Blanche's nomination

In a sharply worded post on X, Newsom questioned why more attention was not being paid to Blanche's nomination and alleged that Trump was undermining the independence of the Justice Department.

"Why is the media not talking more about Donald Trump tapping his PERSONAL ATTORNEY to lead the Department of Justice???" Newsom wrote.

The California governor then linked Blanche's nomination to recent investigations involving former FBI Director James Comey and Minnesota Governor Tim Walz.

"Trump isn't even pretending the DOJ is independent," Newsom said. "He's turning it into his private police force for political retribution, targeting enemies and launching fact-less investigations."

He concluded the post with a one-word reaction: "SICK!"

Newsom's comments did not come out of nowhere.

Just one day earlier, the Democratic governor blasted Blanche's nomination in another social media post, accusing the administration of rewarding loyalty over independence.

"Trump wants his personal attorney and the guy covering up the Epstein Files to be America's top cop," Newsom wrote on Tuesday.

"The corruption and self-dealing are off the charts," he added.

The back-to-back attacks suggest Democrats are preparing to make Blanche's close relationship with Trump a central issue as his nomination moves through the Senate confirmation process.

Todd Blanche's nomination heads to Senate

Trump formally submitted Blanche's nomination to the Senate after selecting him to continue leading the Justice Department on a permanent basis.

Blanche previously served as one of Trump's personal defense attorneys and has been acting attorney general since the departure of Pam Bondi earlier this year.

The nomination now heads to the Senate, where Republicans currently hold the votes needed for confirmation.

Senate Judiciary Committee Chairman Chuck Grassley has already indicated support for moving the nomination forward.