Secretary of Homeland Security Kristi Noem reportedly accused Gov. Gavin Newsom of California on Monday of posting a “menacing” message about her that she said left her family shaken and fearing for her safety.
The controversy began when Newsom’s press office posted on social media: “Kristi Noem is going to have a bad day today. You’re welcome, America.” The remark, coming just weeks after conservative activist Charlie Kirk was assassinated at Utah Valley University, drew immediate backlash.
Appearing on Fox News’ Hannity, Noem described the fallout. “It was cryptic and it was really menacing, I would say, Sean. It immediately panicked my family and friends,” she said. “Within, I would say, a couple of minutes of that being posted I started to get text messages and phone calls. Family, my kids saying, ‘Are you okay, Mom? Are you fine?’”
Noem said her family’s reaction reflected real fears. “They know the threats that I’ve had. They know the threats that they’ve had, the things that have happened to them because of politicians like this that say things and somebody grabs onto them that has an agenda,” she explained. “The cartels and criminals that have threatened our family already. So when you get a post like that by a governor, immediately, you know, my staff and family think, ‘What is going on? What does he mean?’”
Her comments linked Newsom’s rhetoric to what she described as the increasingly dangerous political climate. “This is a day and age where we’ve always known that words matter, but there’s been real consequences that we have realized that have happened to incredible people like Charlie [Kirk] that we’ll have to live with forever,” she said. “I hope we all learn from that. I hope we all learn that it’s time to start listening to each other, having civil discourse, and stop ridiculous, irresponsible posts like Governor Newsom put out there.”
Federal authorities quickly took note of the controversy. U.S. Attorney for the Central District of California, Bill Essayli, confirmed he referred the matter to the Secret Service. “We have zero tolerance for direct or implicit threats against government officials,” Essayli said. “I’ve referred this matter to @SecretService and requested a full threat assessment.”
The Biden White House also condemned the post, in a rare rebuke of the California Democrat. “To make a threat like this, especially on the memorial weekend for Charlie [Kirk], is beyond the pale and totally disgusting,” wrote White House Communications Director Steven Cheung. He added, “This is what happens when Gavin Newsom lets deranged Leftist lunatics post messages on his behalf.”
The clash highlights how political rhetoric has intensified since Kirk’s killing, a moment many conservatives see as evidence of a toxic atmosphere that too often targets those on the right.
Noem, who has faced her share of threats in office, said the episode was a reminder that leaders must be held accountable for the words they use.
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