In a startling turn of events, Department of Homeland Security Secretary Kristi Noem has publicly criticized a social media message from California Gov. Gavin Newsom’s press office, calling it alarming and distressing to her loved ones, as The Hill reports.

The controversy erupted over a post on X from Newsom’s office stating that Noem would face a tough day, prompting sharp backlash from Trump administration officials and a dismissive response from Newsom himself.

The incident began on Saturday when the press office of Gov. Newsom posted on X, formerly known as Twitter, a message directed at Noem. The post read, “Noem is going to have a bad day today. You’re welcome, America.”

Unexpected social media posts sparks alarm

By Monday night, Noem addressed the issue in a conversation with Sean Hannity, revealing the profound impact the message had on her personal circle. She described the post as cryptic and unsettling, leading to immediate concern among her family and friends.

“It was cryptic, and it was really menacing, I would say, Sean,” Noem stated. “It immediately panicked my family and friends. Within, I would say, a couple of minutes of that being posted, I started to get text messages and phone calls.”

She added that her children were among those reaching out, worried for her safety. “Family, my kids saying, ‘Are you okay, Mom? Are you fine?’ They know the threats that I’ve had,” she explained.

Family history of threats heightens concerns

Noem further elaborated that the concern was amplified by past experiences. Her family has faced threats before, often linked to political rhetoric, making such posts particularly alarming.

“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 said. This history added a layer of fear to the already troubling message.

The reaction wasn’t limited to Noem’s personal circle; it quickly drew ire from other officials in President Donald Trump’s administration. DHS Assistant Secretary Tricia McLaughlin responded on social media, stating, “This reads like a threat. This is ugly, @GavinNewsom.”

Administration officials condemn Newsom's conduct

White House communications director Steven Cheung also weighed in with strong words. He called the post “beyond the pale and totally disgusting,” especially given its timing during a memorial weekend for conservative activist Charlie Kirk, who was recently killed in Utah.

In response to the mounting criticism, Gov. Newsom took a dismissive stance. He shared a meme from “SpongeBob SquarePants” on social media, mocking the concerns with the text, “tHiS ReAdS LiKe a tHrEaT.”

Noem, reflecting on the incident, highlighted the potential dangers of such online statements. She noted that her staff and family were left scrambling to understand the intent behind Newsom’s message. “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?’ and we’re trying to figure it out,” she said.

Call for civility in public discourse grow

She also connected the incident to broader issues of safety and responsibility in communication, referencing the tragic death of Charlie Kirk. “So you know, 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 that we’ll have to live with forever, and I hope we all learn from that,” Noem remarked.

Noem emphasized that the risks are not abstract, as she has faced direct threats from dangerous groups in the past. She pointed out that cartels and criminals have previously targeted her and her family, making careless online remarks especially risky.

Concluding her remarks, Noem urged a shift toward more respectful dialogue. “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,” she stated, advocating for greater care in public statements.