In a startling turn of events, a cryptic social media message from California Gov. Gavin Newsom’s press office targeting DHS Secretary Kristi Noem has triggered a U.S. Secret Service threat assessment, as Fox News reports.
The post, which hinted at a challenging day for Noem, drew sharp criticism from conservative figures and coincided with Newsom’s announcement of new legislation to protect immigrant communities while opposing Trump-era federal policies.
On Saturday, Newsom's press office posted a message on X that caught widespread attention. The statement read, “Kristi Noem is going to have a bad day today. You’re welcome, America.”
This brief but pointed remark quickly ignited backlash from conservative voices across the political spectrum. Tricia McLaughlin, DHS assistant secretary for public affairs, labeled the message as “ugly” and suggested it carried threatening undertones.
McLaughlin further criticized the governor’s team, saying, “Your keyboard warrior team may hide behind their laptops and spew this kind of vitriol but you would never have the guts to say this to her face.”
Similarly, Bill Essayli, acting U.S. Attorney for the Central District of California, expressed serious concern over the post. He emphasized a strict policy against any form of threat toward government officials, whether overt or subtle.
Essayli took decisive action, stating, “There is zero tolerance for threats -- direct or implied -- against government officials. I’ve referred this matter to [the Secret Service] and requested a full threat assessment.”
Republican California Assemblywoman Kate Sanchez also weighed in, condemning the remark as potentially inflammatory. She warned that such statements could heighten the risk of political violence in an already tense climate.
The Secret Service acknowledged receiving a referral from the Department of Justice regarding the matter. Spokesman Anthony Guglielmi underscored the agency’s duty to investigate any potential risks to protected individuals.
Guglielmi elaborated on the agency’s stance, saying, “However, the Secret Service must vigorously investigate any situation or individual, regardless of position or status, that could pose or be perceived as posing a threat to any of our protectees. Especially in a politically charged climate, such as this.”
Amid the controversy over the social media post, Newsom’s press office later provided context for their earlier statement. Several hours after the initial message, they announced a legislative package aimed at safeguarding immigrant communities.
This legislative effort appeared to be the development hinted at in the original post about Noem. The bills are designed to counter federal overreach and challenge policies associated with former President Donald Trump and advisor Stephen Miller.
On the same day, Newsom joined community members and legislative leaders in Los Angeles to sign multiple bills. These measures aim to protect Californians from what he described as aggressive federal tactics.
One notable bill restricts most law enforcement officers, including federal immigration agents, from concealing their faces during official duties. Newsom framed these actions as a stand against authoritarian approaches.
At the press conference, Newsom passionately defended what he said were California’s values, stating, “We celebrate that diversity. It’s what makes California great. It’s what makes America great. It is under assault. This is the United States of America, and I’m really proud of the state of California and our state of mind that we’re pushing back against these authoritarian tendencies and actions of this administration.”