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.
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.
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.
STEPHEN MILLER IS A FASCIST!
— Governor Newsom Press Office (@GovPressOffice) September 27, 2025
This Could Be the Most Important Video Gun Owners Watch All Year
Why do you think they posted this? https://t.co/crtyfyXn40
— Stephen Miller (@StephenM) September 27, 2025
DING DONGS IN THE WHITE HOUSE: IF YOU DON’T WANT US TO CALL YOU A FASCIST THEN STOP DOING FASCIST THINGS!
— Governor Newsom Press Office (@GovPressOffice) September 27, 2025
He knows exactly what he’s doing https://t.co/fgd0JCVyBr
— Donald Trump Jr. (@DonaldJTrumpJr) September 28, 2025
The White House knows exactly what it was doing when they published a list of Democrats who have used their voice to call out Trump & Miller’s ICE abuses.
The list is now being used by the far right as an enemies list. It’s reckless. It’s dangerous. And it puts lives at risk.… pic.twitter.com/TqQ8zz9DPV
— Governor Newsom Press Office (@GovPressOffice) September 27, 2025
textbook definition https://t.co/jFH3IUAM8P pic.twitter.com/W7mjUBQh7g
— Governor Newsom Press Office (@GovPressOffice) September 27, 2025
Is this turning the temperature down, Laura?
-Sending armed Marines into American cities?
-Calling Democrats a “terrorist organization”
-Using the DOJ to go after political opponents?
-Limiting free speech?
-Saying speaking out is “blood libel”?
-Creating an “enemies” lists? https://t.co/Lk0pmFPq3J— Governor Newsom Press Office (@GovPressOffice) September 27, 2025
— Governor Newsom Press Office (@GovPressOffice) September 27, 2025
— Governor Newsom Press Office (@GovPressOffice) September 28, 2025
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.
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.
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