Additional Coverage:
- Gavin Newsom trolls Kristi Noem’s Portland ‘war zone’ photo op (irishstar.com)
Newsom Takes Aim at “War Zone” Claims in Portland, Sparks Social Media Stir with Noem
California Governor Gavin Newsom, a frequent critic of the previous administration, recently weighed in on the contentious claims surrounding Portland, Oregon, taking aim at Department of Homeland Security Secretary Kristi Noem’s description of the city as a “war zone.” Newsom’s remarks, delivered with his characteristic wit on social media, highlighted a rather different scene than the one painted by federal officials: two small groups of protesters and a man in a chicken suit.
Secretary Noem’s visit to Portland, a city frequently at the center of political debate, saw her tour an Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE) facility. During her visit, she met with local law enforcement, including Portland Police Chief Bob Day, Oregon State Police Superintendent Casey Codding, and Multnomah County Sheriff Nicole Morrisey O’Donnell. Accompanying her was a prominent social media influencer who consistently lauded her approach to immigration enforcement.
From the roof of the facility, the influencer posted a video online, asserting they were confronting an “army of antifa.” However, the footage revealed a far less formidable gathering: only two small groups of demonstrators, one of whom was notably clad in a chicken costume. This avian attire has become a trending symbol among some protesters, referencing the acronym TACO (Trump Always Chickens Out).
Governor Newsom’s office, no stranger to playfully challenging what it deems “ridiculous claims” from the previous administration, seized the opportunity to mock Secretary Noem’s visit. On a popular social media platform, Newsom’s press office sarcastically posted a screenshot of the alleged “army of antifa,” highlighting the sparse crowd with the caption, “Portland’s war zone.”
Further escalating the digital exchange, the account shared a photograph of Secretary Noem, appearing “glammed up” with cameras and lighting equipment, seemingly preparing for a photo opportunity while observing the protesters below. The post humorously added, in all caps, “Kosplay Kristi is in Portland!
Hide yo dogs!” This jab not only mimicked the former President’s social media style but also made a pointed reference to a passage in Secretary Noem’s 2024 book, “No Going Back,” where she recounted shooting her 14-month-old wire-haired pointer, Cricket, due to what she described as aggressive behavior.
Newsom’s social media commentary arrived as a federal judge appointed by the previous administration, Karin Immergut, blocked a directive to deploy the Oregon National Guard in Portland over the weekend. On Sunday, Judge Immergut granted a temporary restraining order sought by California and Oregon, preventing the administration from sending any National Guard troops to the city.
Governor Newsom, whose state had also faced threats of similar troop deployments, hailed the ruling as a significant victory. “The rule of law has prevailed— and California’s national guard will soon be heading home,” Newsom stated on Sunday.
“This ruling is more than a legal victory, it’s a victory for American democracy itself. Donald Trump tried to turn our soldiers into instruments of his political will, and while our fight continues, tonight the rule of law said ‘hell no.’”
The legal battle is now moving to the Ninth Circuit Court of Appeals, where the previous White House is seeking to suspend Immergut’s order and allow National Guard personnel to be deployed.
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- Gavin Newsom trolls Kristi Noem’s Portland ‘war zone’ photo op (irishstar.com)