Newsom’s press office under Secret Service scrutiny over Kristi Noem post that ‘reads like a threat’

LOS ANGELES, CALIFORNIA: California Governor Gavin Newsom just made things a whole lot messier in his feud with the feds, and now the Secret Service is involved.

The Democrat governor’s press office shared a bizarre post Saturday morning, September 20. “Kristi Noem is going to have a bad day today. You're welcome, America," it wrote on X.

That jab aimed at Homeland Security Secretary Kristi Noem is now officially on the radar of federal agents.

Secret Service steps in to review Gavin Newsom press office post targeting Kristi Noem

Bill Essayli, the acting US Attorney for the Central District of California, announced he had referred the post to the Secret Service. “We have zero tolerance for direct or implicit threats against government officials. I've referred this matter to @SecretService and requested a full threat assessment,” Essayli wrote.

DHS officials also piled on. Tricia McLaughlin, Assistant Secretary for Public Affairs, blasted Newsom’s office. “This reads like a threat. This is ugly, @GavinNewsom. 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.”

Republicans were quick to pounce. California Assemblywoman Kate Sanchez told Fox News, “Our Governor can't keep his foot out of his mouth. This kind of rhetoric is dangerous and makes future violence more likely.”

Secret Service spokesman Anthony Guglielmi confirmed the referral from DOJ. “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. Especially in a politically charged climate, such as this.

Donald Trump feud escalates as Gavin Newsom signs legislation restricting federal agents

Newsom’s post comes as he ramps up his brawl with President Donald Trump and federal immigration officials.

Just this week, Newsom signed new legislation outlawing most law enforcement officers, including federal immigration agents, from covering their faces while on duty in California.

The governor celebrated the move as a blow against Trump’s tactics.

“We celebrate that diversity. It's what makes California great. It's what makes America great. It is under assault,” Newsom declared. “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.”

Newsom stood with Democrat lawmakers and immigrant leaders, framing the law as a “direct rebuke” of Trump’s use of masked agents during immigration raids in Southern California.

“The impact of these policies all across this city, our state, and nation are terrifying,” he warned. “It's like a dystopian sci-fi movie. Unmarked cars, people in masks, people quite literally disappearing. No due process, no rights. Immigrants have rights, and we have the right to stand up and push back — and that's what we're doing here today.”

California bans police masks and funds lawsuits against federal government

California is now the first state in the nation to ban most law enforcement officers from covering their faces while carrying out official duties. That means no ski masks, no neck gaiters, no balaclavas. Exceptions exist for medical-grade respirators, tactical gear, and undercover work.

Newsom’s office said the law was spurred by mass immigration sweeps in Los Angeles, where federal agents in masks reportedly made arrests without badge numbers or clear agency identification. Critics say the tactic chills civil liberties and sows fear. Federal officials argue that the masks protect their agents from harassment and doxxing.

Newsom also approved new rules blocking immigration agents from storming schools and hospitals without a warrant. On top of that, his administration earmarked $50 million to bankroll legal fights with the federal government.

That war chest has already been put to use. More than 40 lawsuits have been filed against the Trump administration since the start of the year.

Opponents call the moves reckless, pointing out that the Supreme Court recently gave the green light to expanded immigration enforcement in Los Angeles. But Newsom says California won’t budge. “This is about standing up for democracy, for transparency, and for immigrant communities,” he vowed.

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