Newsom’s comments come amid heightened tensions following Miller’s recent push for crackdowns on left-leaning organizations, which he has publicly called a “domestic terror movement.” The governor vowed to resist, stating, “If Miller continues to trample our democratic rights, I will rally every Californian to fight back through the courts, the legislature, and the streets to protect our freedoms.” Newsom pointed to California’s recent laws banning masked federal agents and limiting immigration raids in schools and hospitals as direct countermeasures to Miller’s agenda.

The governor’s rhetoric has sparked polarized reactions. Supporters, including Democratic lawmakers and activists, hailed Newsom’s bold stance as a necessary defense against authoritarianism. Critics, however, including White House spokesperson Abigail Jackson, called the remarks “reckless” and accused Newsom of inciting division. “The governor’s inflammatory language undermines unity,” Jackson said.

Newsom’s latest salvo builds on his strategy of using provocative rhetoric to challenge the Trump administration, often mimicking the president’s own social media style. With California at the forefront of resisting federal policies, Newsom’s declaration signals an intensifying showdown. As the 2028 presidential race looms, analysts see this as a calculated move to cement Newsom’s role as a leading voice against Trump’s policies.