California Governor Gavin Newsom spent much of Saturday on social media defending his decision to call White House Deputy Chief of Staff for Policy Stephen Miller a “fascist.”

The comments, which Newsom repeated throughout the day, drew widespread criticism given their timing and context, as reported by Breitbart.

Feb 23, 2024; National Harbor, MD, USA; Former Donald Trump advisor Stephen Miller speaks at The Conservative Political Action Conference, CPAC 2024, at the Gaylord National Resort & Convention Center. Mandatory Credit: Jack Gruber-USA TODAY

Earlier in the week, bullet casings reportedly used in the assassination of conservative activist Charlie Kirk were found engraved with the same accusation. Newsom also referred to Miller, who is Jewish, as “SS,” a reference to Nazi forces responsible for carrying out the Holocaust.

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The remarks sparked immediate backlash from conservative leaders and commentators. Andrew Kolvet, co-host of Kirk’s radio program and a close friend of the late activist, was among those who urged Newsom to stop using such language.

Kolvet and others argued that the governor’s rhetoric further inflamed an already volatile climate following Kirk’s assassination.

Instead of retreating from the controversy, Newsom doubled down. He continued to use the term “fascist” across his social media platforms throughout Saturday, defending the characterization and dismissing concerns over its potential consequences.

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Much of Newsom’s style appeared to echo that of President Donald Trump, who is known for sharp political rhetoric. However, analysts noted a key difference.

While Trump has typically reserved criticism for elected officials, journalists, or direct political opponents, Newsom directed his attacks at a staff member of the president’s administration.

Critics also emphasized that Trump rarely directs insults at aides or officials who are not the face of political opposition, while Newsom has repeatedly targeted Miller personally.

Newsom’s official press office account, which is used for government communications, was part of the online exchanges. The account is run by both the governor and junior staffers, some of whom have publicly taken credit for shaping the language Newsom used online.

The strategy, according to observers, appears aimed at boosting Newsom’s profile within the Democratic Party by adopting a combative style similar to Trump’s, though with differences in how the attacks are directed.

California Governor Gavin Newsom talks to the media at Pine Ridge School in Auberry, CA on Tuesday, Sept. 15, 2020. The playground set in the background was damaged by the Creek Fire. A 0915 Harris Fresno 2866

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Newsom has not acknowledged or accepted responsibility for how such rhetoric may have contributed to the climate surrounding Kirk’s assassination.

Conservative leaders have argued that his refusal to moderate his language sends a dangerous signal, particularly as political tensions remain high nationwide.

The governor’s decision to spend an entire day defending his remarks underscored his determination to hold to the description, despite criticism from both political opponents and commentators concerned about the fallout from such rhetoric.