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California Democratic Gov. Gavin Newsom’s press office faced criticism on Saturday after posting a cryptic message about Homeland Security Secretary Kristi Noem, which was later referred to the U.S. Secret Service for review.
“Kristi Noem is going to have a bad day today. You’re welcome, America,” the governor’s press office wrote on X.
The remark drew immediate backlash from conservatives, including DHS assistant secretary for public affairs Tricia McLaughlin and Bill Essayli, the acting U.S. attorney for the Central District of California.
Essayli said in response that there is “zero tolerance” for threats against public officials. “I’ve referred this matter to [the Secret Service] and requested a full threat assessment,” he posted.
McLaughlin called the statement “ugly” and said it read like a threat. “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,” she wrote.
Secret Service spokesperson Anthony Guglielmi confirmed the agency had received the Justice Department’s referral but declined to discuss details. “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,” he said.
Newsom’s office later announced a package of bills intended to strengthen protections for immigrant communities and curb federal enforcement efforts in California. The press release said the measures would “hold Trump accountable,” suggesting that was the development alluded to in the earlier social media post.
Appearing in Los Angeles alongside community members and legislative leaders, Newsom signed the bills into law. One measure prohibits most law enforcement officers, including federal immigration agents, from wearing face coverings while on duty.
“We celebrate that diversity. It’s what makes California great. It’s what makes America great. It is under assault,” Newsom said. “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.”