California Gov. Gavin Newsom wasted no time piling onto ousted Homeland Safety Secretary Kristi Noem after President Donald Trump fired her — blasting the embattled cupboard member and declaring the shake-up as an indication the administration is “in retreat.”
“Goodbye Kristi Noem! You’ll go down in historical past as probably the most openly incompetent and merciless Secretary of Homeland Safety in United States historical past,” the Democrat wrote on X shortly after Trump introduced Noem would go away the put up on the finish of the month.
Newsom didn’t cease there.
The California governor claimed the firing confirmed cracks in Trump’s administration throughout a e-book occasion in New Hampshire Thursday.
“Donald Trump is in retreat,” Newsom mentioned. “Right this moment is an ideal instance — the primary firing of a high-profile cupboard member.”
In the meantime, his press crew circulated an AI-generated picture displaying Noem in a cowboy hat ready in a “MAGA Unemployment Line,” adopted by one other picture of a smiling pet holding a newspaper with the headline “Trump Fires Kristi Noem.” The put up learn: “Justice for Cricket!” — a dig on the former South Dakota governor’s canine that Noem beforehand admitted she shot.
The account additionally shared a brief message in response to the information, writing merely, “BYE GIRL!”
The political jabs come as Newsom continues a nationwide tour that has fueled hypothesis a couple of future White Home run.
The California Democrat has positioned himself as considered one of Trump’s most vocal critics — whereas repeatedly clashing with Noem over immigration enforcement and federal oversight within the state.
Trump introduced Thursday he would exchange Noem with Oklahoma Sen. Markwayne Mullin, who will take over as Homeland Safety secretary on March 31.
Noem will as an alternative transfer right into a newly created function as particular envoy for the administration’s “Protect of the Americas” safety initiative, which Trump mentioned will likely be unveiled Saturday in Doral, Florida.
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The shake-up follows mounting scrutiny of Noem, who confronted powerful questions from lawmakers this week over her dealing with of FEMA funding, luxurious jet journey and high-profile advert campaigns.
She has additionally been dogged by rumors of an alleged affair with longtime Trump ally Corey Lewandowski — one thing critics in Washington have referred to as the capital’s “worst-kept secret.”
Noem additionally sparked backlash after refusing to apologize for labeling two slain Minnesota protesters — Renee Good and Alex Pretti — as home terrorists throughout congressional testimony.
The conflict between Newsom and Noem is nothing new.
The 2 have repeatedly traded barbs lately, with Newsom calling for her resignation and Noem accusing California officers of fraud and warning at one level: “We’re going to return to you, Governor Gavin Newsom.”
Newsom’s look in New Hampshire additionally comes simply days after he stirred controversy at a Los Angeles e-book occasion by evaluating Israel to an “apartheid state.” The governor later mentioned he was referencing a column by New York Occasions author Thomas L. Friedman.
