California Governor Gavin Newsom’s press office is under fire after posting a controversial message on social media that many Republicans interpreted as a threat against Homeland Security Secretary Kristi Noem. The post, shared on X (formerly Twitter), read:
“Kristi Noem is going to have a bad day today. You’re welcome, America.”
The message was published Saturday morning and immediately drew criticism amid an already tense political climate, particularly following the recent assassination of conservative figure Charlie Kirk.
Federal Response and Possible Investigation
Bill Essayli, acting U.S. Attorney for the Central District of California, responded swiftly. He stated on X that he had requested the U.S. Secret Service conduct a “full threat assessment” in response to the post.
“We have zero tolerance for direct or implied threats against government officials,” Essayli emphasized.
Later that day, Newsom’s press office attempted to clarify the intent behind the message. A follow-up post said the statement was related to immigration legislation the governor had just signed into law — legislation that includes a provision banning federal law enforcement officers from wearing face coverings while operating in California.
Backlash from Homeland Security Officials
Despite the clarification, criticism continued. Tricia McLaughlin, a spokesperson for the Department of Homeland Security, called the post “ugly” and said it came across as a threat.
“This reads like a threat,” she wrote on X, adding, “Your keyboard warrior team may hide behind laptops and spew this kind of vitriol, but you would never have the guts to say this to her face.”
A spokesperson for the Secret Service confirmed receipt of communication from the Department of Justice but declined to comment on specifics, stating that the agency must investigate any potential threat to its protectees — regardless of intent, status, or position.
Broader Political Fallout
The controversy unfolds at a time of heightened political sensitivity. In the days following the killing of Charlie Kirk, officials have been calling for restraint in political rhetoric and increased security for public figures. Tensions have escalated between political parties, with several Republicans blaming inflammatory language from Democrats for creating a dangerous environment.
One Republican lawmaker, Rep. Anna Paulina Luna, openly blamed Democratic rhetoric for Kirk’s assassination. Meanwhile, White House communications director Steven Cheung called the Newsom office’s post “disgusting”, especially given the timing — just ahead of Kirk’s memorial service.
“To make a threat like this, especially on the memorial weekend for Charlie, is beyond the pale,” Cheung said on X. “This is what happens when Gavin Newsom lets deranged Leftist lunatics post messages on his behalf.”
Call for Civility
Former Homeland Security adviser Charles Marino warned that the U.S. is at its highest level of political threat in years. He called the post “irresponsible,” stressing that political leaders have a duty to de-escalate tension, not add to it.
“This is not the maturity and the civility that helps lower the threat level,” Marino said. “There needs to be a cooling down here.”
This isn’t the first time a political post has sparked controversy. Earlier this year, former FBI Director James Comey faced scrutiny for an Instagram photo featuring the numbers “86 47” spelled out in seashells — which some interpreted as a veiled threat against President Trump.
As investigations continue, this latest incident serves as a reminder that words — even online — carry real consequences, especially in a divided political era.
