Key Takeaways
- Controversial Post: Newsom’s press office posted that DHS Secretary Kristi Noem was “going to have a bad day,” sparking backlash just days after Charlie Kirk’s assassination.
- Federal Referral: Acting U.S. Attorney Bill Essayli referred the matter to the Secret Service for a full threat assessment, saying there is “zero tolerance” for threats.
- Pattern of Rhetoric: Critics noted Newsom’s history of inflammatory language, warning that such words fuel a dangerous climate of political violence.
California Gov. Gavin Newsom’s team is once again making headlines for all the wrong reasons. On Saturday, his official press office posted on X: “Kristi Noem is going to have a bad day today. You’re welcome, America.” The post, coming just days after the political assassination of Turning Point USA founder Charlie Kirk, triggered immediate backlash and even a referral to the Secret Service.
Bill Essayli, Acting U.S. Attorney for the Central District of California, declared: “We have zero tolerance for direct or implicit threats against government officials. I’ve referred this matter to @SecretService and requested a full threat assessment.”
Critics slammed the message as reckless and dangerous. Daily Wire host Matt Walsh pointed out it mirrored language used before Kirk’s assassination. White House Communications Director Steven Cheung called the post “totally disgusting,” while DHS Assistant Secretary Tricia McLaughlin said it “reads like a threat.” Even Vivek Ramaswamy, running for Ohio governor, urged: “This isn’t what America needs right now, @GavinNewsom. Come on man. Do better.”
Rather than walk it back, Newsom’s office doubled down, quote-tweeting the message with a press release boasting about “holding Trump accountable.”
This is hardly new for Newsom, who previously bragged about wanting to “punch these sons of bitches in the mouth” and even shared a “Trump is Dead” meme. In today’s climate—where a conservative leader has just been assassinated—this rhetoric isn’t just irresponsible, it’s dangerous. Words have consequences. And Gavin Newsom, of all people, should know better.