Trump Blasts Newsom Over Death Row Commutations

Trump posted a short, blunt attack on Truth Social aimed at Newsom over his decision to commute every death sentence in California. Writing about those who left death row, the president said they make Hannibal Lecter from Silence of the Lambs 'look like a nice guy.' He also mocked the governor by spelling his name as 'Gavin Newscum,' and described the cases as having moved through the California 'Justice' System over many years.

The post is the latest in a string of Truth Social statements from Trump, who has used the platform repeatedly in recent days to weigh in on state and federal matters. Earlier posts covered his push to redevelop Washington, DC's East Potomac Golf Links and his effort with lawmakers from both parties on the Motion Picture, Television, and Entertainment Revitalization Act.

California's governor's office will change hands on January 4, 2027, when former US Secretary of Health and Human Services Xavier Becerra succeeds Newsom.