California Governor Gavin Newsom faced an intense backlash online this week after a late-night television appearance in which he used charged rhetoric to describe the Trump administration, remarks that came amid heightened tensions following the assassination of conservative activist Charlie Kirk.

Newsom appeared on CBS’s late-night program hosted by Stephen Colbert, where he characterized federal immigration enforcement efforts as a national emergency and warned that the country was approaching what he called a “Code Red” moment. Critics quickly seized on his language, arguing that it appeared to encourage aggressive resistance at a time when violence against federal officers has been increasing.

The interview followed Newsom’s recent signing of legislation approved by California’s Democratic-controlled legislature that restricts federal immigration officers from wearing face coverings while performing their duties. Supporters of the law argue it promotes transparency, while opponents say it endangers officers by exposing their identities.

Newsom’s comments also landed against the backdrop of a series of attacks targeting immigration facilities and federal law enforcement personnel across the country. For months, Republican leaders have accused Democratic officials of inflaming tensions by repeatedly labeling Trump administration officials and federal agents with comparisons to authoritarian regimes, including references to Nazi Germany and Hitler’s secret police.

During the interview, Newsom expressed deep concern about the future of American democracy, claiming he feared the country might not hold a presidential election in 2028 if the current trajectory continues.

“I truly mean that,” Newsom said, describing his concern as something he felt at his core. He urged Americans to recognize what he described as an unfolding national crisis and to respond urgently.

Less than 24 hours later, another violent incident added fuel to the controversy. An ICE detention facility in Dallas, Texas, was struck by gunfire when a young, self-radicalized attacker opened fire. The assailant later died by suicide. Two people were wounded, and one undocumented detainee was killed during the incident. Investigators later reported finding ammunition marked with anti-ICE slogans, suggesting ideological motivation.

The timing of the shooting intensified criticism of Newsom’s remarks. Social media users across platforms accused the governor of reckless rhetoric and claimed Democratic leaders were helping create a climate that encourages violence.

One commenter wrote that politicians who frequently accuse others of fascism were behaving in ways they themselves condemn. Others warned that ideological extremism within the Democratic Party was becoming increasingly dangerous. Several users argued that inflammatory language directed at federal officers crossed the line from criticism into incitement, while some called for accountability for Newsom’s statements.

The controversy was further amplified by conservative media figures. On Fox News, host Jesse Watters highlighted multiple recent incidents involving violence against Republicans and federal institutions, asserting that such acts are often minimized or ignored by Democratic leaders. Watters also accused some politicians of continuing to use hostile rhetoric despite the growing number of attacks.

Vice President JD Vance weighed in forcefully on Thursday during remarks in North Carolina, placing blame on Democratic officials and what he described as sympathetic media coverage. Vance singled out Newsom, accusing him of mischaracterizing the work of Immigration and Customs Enforcement and contributing to an environment that emboldens violent actors.

Vance argued that repeatedly portraying federal law enforcement as agents of authoritarianism distorts reality and has real-world consequences. According to the vice president, when politicians and media outlets misrepresent who ICE officers are arresting and what their duties entail, it can encourage unstable individuals to take matters into their own hands.

He also criticized Democratic officials for supporting policies that would expose ICE officers’ identities, warning that such actions could make them targets.

“You don’t have to agree with my immigration policies or President Trump’s policies,” Vance said. “But if your rhetoric leads people to believe that law enforcement officers are enemies of the state, and that belief results in violence, then you’ve crossed a moral line.”

Vance concluded his remarks by stating that political disagreement is a cornerstone of democracy, but encouraging hostility toward law enforcement undermines public safety and democratic norms alike.

As the political fallout continues, Newsom has not directly addressed the criticism surrounding his comments. The debate now underscores a broader national divide over immigration enforcement, political rhetoric, and the responsibility of elected officials to weigh their words carefully during periods of heightened tension.