California Governor Gavin Newsom’s press office has drawn sharp criticism for a cryptic X post that referenced South Dakota Governor Kristi Noem, leading to a U.S. attorney’s accusation that the statement was ‘reckless.’ The post, which read ‘Kristi Noem is going to have a bad day today. You’re welcome, America,’ became a focal point of scrutiny, with acting U.S. attorney Bill Essayli linking it to rhetoric that preceded the assassination of Charlie Kirk. Essayli criticized the post on Fox & Friends, stating that the rhetoric mirrored that seen before the killing of Kirk, raising concerns about potential dangers to public figures. As a result, he initiated a Secret Service threat assessment referral, expressing uncertainty regarding the intent of the statement and its potential reception by extremist groups.
In response to the controversy, Newsom’s press office defended its actions by referencing a similar 2020 tweet from former President Donald Trump, who had made a similar reference to then-Democratic presidential candidate Bernie Sanders. This move was aimed at deflecting criticism by drawing a parallel between the two instances, though it has not quelled the growing concerns over the implications of such rhetoric. Concurrently, a new California law signed by Newsom has sparked additional controversy, requiring most law enforcement officers, including ICE agents, to unmask during their duties. This measure has faced criticism from Essayli, who warned that the law could inadvertently increase risks for law enforcement amid a spike in violent incidents targeting officers.
Essayli emphasized the heightened threat environment, noting that assaults on law enforcement have risen by over 1,000% in recent times. He criticized the left-leaning policies and rhetoric that, in his view, fuel such violence by promoting the idea that the federal government is an illegitimate force. This issue has been amplified by anti-ICE protests that have erupted nationally, including in Los Angeles, where demonstrators have resorted to violence. Newsom, for his part, framed the unmasking law as a necessary step to safeguard immigrant rights, arguing that the current practices of ICE involve a lack of transparency and due process. However, Essayli argued that California has no jurisdiction over federal law enforcement, urging agencies to disregard the law.
The situation has also drawn attention to the broader debate over illegal immigration policy, with the Trump administration’s crackdown on immigration attracting significant pushback from state officials like Newsom. The new law, which aims to ensure transparency by requiring law enforcement to reveal their identities, has become a focal point in this ongoing political and public discourse. With tensions escalating on both sides, the controversy over Newsom’s press office post and the new law continues to highlight the complex and polarizing issues surrounding law enforcement accountability and public safety in the United States.