Newsom Hires Trump-Fired US Attorney in Bold Move
In a striking political counterpunch, California Governor Gavin Newsom has hired Michele Beckwith—the U.S. Attorney abruptly fired by former President Donald Trump—into a high-level legal role within the state’s Department of Justice. The appointment comes just weeks after Beckwith’s controversial ouster, which sparked national debate over judicial independence and constitutional integrity .
Who Is Michele Beckwith?
Michele Beckwith served as the U.S. Attorney for the Eastern District of California, a position she held with bipartisan respect for her rigorous enforcement of federal law and commitment to civil liberties. Her firing on October 27, 2025, made headlines when it was revealed she had instructed a senior immigration official to comply with constitutional safeguards during a series of immigration raids .
According to internal White House communications, Trump ordered her removal less than six hours after she issued that directive—raising alarms among legal experts about political interference in prosecutorial independence.
Why Newsom Acted Fast
Within 48 hours of her dismissal, Governor Newsom extended an offer for Beckwith to serve as Special Counsel for Civil Rights Enforcement in California’s Office of the Attorney General. “Michele didn’t just uphold the law—she defended the Constitution when it mattered most,” Newsom said in a statement. “California stands with those who put principle over politics.”
The new role will task Beckwith with overseeing investigations into civil rights violations, including those related to immigration enforcement, police conduct, and voting access—areas where California has frequently clashed with federal policies under Trump.
Timeline of Events
| Date | Event |
|---|---|
| Oct. 27, 2025 (9:15 a.m.) | Beckwith directs ICE official to halt raids violating Fourth Amendment |
| Oct. 27, 2025 (2:45 p.m.) | Trump orders her immediate removal via DOJ memo |
| Oct. 28, 2025 | Newsom announces Beckwith’s new role in California DOJ |
| Oct. 29, 2025 | Beckwith begins work; first assignment: review of border patrol practices |
Legal Community Reacts
Former U.S. Attorneys from both parties have voiced support for Beckwith’s appointment. “This is exactly how states can serve as a check on federal overreach,” said David Ogden, former Deputy Attorney General under Obama. “Her integrity is unquestionable.”
Conversely, conservative legal groups criticized Newsom’s move as “politicizing state law enforcement.” The Federalist Society issued a statement warning that “hiring fired federal officials as political symbols undermines the rule of law”—a claim many legal scholars dispute.
What This Means for California
Beckwith’s hiring signals California’s intensified legal posture against potential future federal immigration crackdowns. Her office will now coordinate with local sheriffs, public defenders, and civil rights nonprofits to monitor and challenge unconstitutional enforcement actions.
“We’re not waiting for the next raid to happen,” Beckwith told reporters Tuesday. “We’re building a firewall—rooted in the Constitution—that protects every resident, regardless of status.”
