Acting U.S. Attorney for the Central District of California Bill Essayli announced [1] Saturday that he has referred a social media post from Governor Gavin Newsom’s press office to the U.S. Secret Service for review, citing concerns that it could be interpreted as a potential threat against Homeland Security Secretary Kristi Noem.
Earlier in the day, Newsom’s press office posted on X, “Kristi Noem is going to have a bad day today. You’re welcome, America.”
Kristi Noem is going to have a bad day today.
You’re welcome, America.
— Governor Newsom Press Office (@GovPressOffice) September 20, 2025 [2]
The statement did not include any context to clarify what the office was referencing.
The post drew immediate criticism from officials in Washington.
Tricia McLaughlin, Assistant Secretary at the Department of Homeland Security, condemned the remark publicly on X.
“This reads like a threat. This is ugly [Gavin Newsom]. 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,” McLaughlin wrote.
This reads like a threat.
This is ugly, @GavinNewsom [3].
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. https://t.co/U4IOGj76Cj [4]
— Tricia McLaughlin (@TriciaOhio) September 20, 2025 [5]
Following her comment, Newsom’s press office responded by mocking McLaughlin’s own wording.
We have zero tolerance for direct or implicit threats against government officials. We’ve referred this matter to @SecretService [6] and requested a full threat assessment. pic.twitter.com/7IQros3y8V [7]
— Governor Newsom Press Office (@GovPressOffice) September 20, 2025 [8]
The online exchange prompted Essayli to weigh in.
In a post of his own, he stated, “We have zero tolerance for direct or implicit threats against government officials. I’ve referred this matter to [The U.S. Secret Service] and requested a full threat assessment.”
We have zero tolerance for direct or implicit threats against government officials. I’ve referred this matter to @SecretService [6] and requested a full threat assessment. https://t.co/mKEN3CZjxn [9]
— Acting U.S. Attorney Bill Essayli (@USAttyEssayli) September 20, 2025 [10]
The governor’s press office has increasingly adopted a style that appears designed to mimic or parody the online persona of President Donald Trump.
The account frequently posts in all capital letters and borrows phrasing associated with Trump’s statements on Truth Social.
Hours after the initial message directed at Noem, the press office shifted tone and issued another post announcing that Newsom would be signing legislation described as protecting “immigrant communities” and aiming to “hold Trump accountable.”
SOON >> https://t.co/yCicETHx7P [11] pic.twitter.com/BbcdUB2Pho [12]
— Governor Newsom Press Office (@GovPressOffice) September 20, 2025 [13]
The timing of the remarks sparked additional backlash amid an already tense political climate.
Just weeks earlier, conservative activist Charlie Kirk was assassinated, an event that has heightened scrutiny over rhetoric and perceived threats directed toward public officials.
The Trump administration has also faced security concerns in recent months.
Reports this week confirmed that White House Press Secretary Karoline Leavitt was recently assigned a Secret Service protective detail in response to threats.
Karoline Leavitt @PressSec [14] Granted Secret Service Protection. This development underscores the growing concerns about political violence. pic.twitter.com/HpBi8YNjXh [15]
— April Color (@ColorApril) September 19, 2025 [16]
As of Saturday evening, the Secret Service had not publicly commented on whether a formal investigation into the California governor’s office post had been opened.
The agency routinely reviews reports of statements considered threatening toward federal officials.
Secretary Noem, appointed by President Trump to lead the Department of Homeland Security, has not publicly addressed the message from Newsom’s office.
Newsom’s press team has also not offered clarification beyond its follow-up remarks.
The development places new attention on the conduct of Newsom’s communications staff and adds to the scrutiny surrounding political rhetoric as campaigns and legislative battles continue across the country.
The referral is expected to trigger at least a preliminary assessment by the Secret Service.
If deemed necessary, a full investigation could follow to determine whether the comment constituted a credible threat or was limited to partisan political expression.