California Gov. Gavin Newsom shared an AI-generated video depicting President Donald Trump, War Secretary Pete Hegseth, and White House Deputy Chief of Staff for Policy and Homeland Security Adviser Stephen Miller in handcuffs, as part of a social media exchange with the White House over immigration policy.
The video included the phrase “It’s CUFFING Season,” referencing language from an earlier White House post. Newsom reposted the official video—which showed what appeared to be law enforcement activity and the same phrase—with his own AI-generated video portraying Trump and two senior administration officials.
The White House’s original post stated, “WE HEARD IT’S CUFFING SZN,” accompanied by a chains emoji, adding, “Bad news for criminal illegal aliens. Great news for America.”
Newsom’s video appeared to mimic the tone and imagery of the original, incorporating artificial intelligence to depict the three officials in restraints. When asked about the video, Newsom defended the post, saying he uses such tactics to “wake everybody up.”
Fox News Digital reached out to both Newsom’s office and the White House for comment. The article did not indicate whether they responded.
The exchange occurred as the Trump administration continues a policy crackdown targeting individuals in the country illegally. In a related development, the Department of Homeland Security criticized Newsom over California’s use of taxpayer funds to provide health care to undocumented immigrants, warning it could contribute to rising ambulance costs.
One social media user responded to Newsom’s post by stating, “I went to prison, defending the Constitution because of woke a[–]holes like you who weaponized our justice system. This isn’t close to funny. All you are doing is inciting more violence.”
Separately, Newsom recently described homelessness and poverty as emblematic of California’s difficulties, saying they represent the “poster child” of the state’s structural issues.
