California Gov. Gavin Newsom drew criticism after posting an AI-generated video that depicted President Donald Trump, War Secretary Pete Hegseth, and White House Deputy Chief of Staff for Policy and Homeland Security Advisor Stephen Miller in handcuffs, as reported by Fox News.
Newsom Posts AI Slop Video of Trump, Hegseth, and Miller in Handcuffs — Despite Championing Anti-Deep Fake Laws https://t.co/0S4IPxYdx4
— The Gateway Pundit (@gatewaypundit) December 11, 2025
The video appeared on Newsom’s social media accounts this week alongside text that briefly read, “It’s CUFFING Season.”
https://t.co/qXr5j6dc8E pic.twitter.com/s7BJ5npxFB
— Gavin Newsom (@GavinNewsom) December 10, 2025
Newsom shared the video while reposting a message from the White House that stated, “WE HEARD IT’S CUFFING SZN,” accompanied by chain emojis and the message, “Bad news for criminal illegal aliens. Great news for America.”
This Could Be the Most Important Video Gun Owners Watch All Year
The original post included footage appearing to show law enforcement operations and displayed the phrase, “IT’S CUFFING SEASON.”
WE HEARD IT’S CUFFING SZN. ⛓️
Bad news for criminal illegal aliens. Great news for America. pic.twitter.com/cuXCdJjxWY
— The White House (@WhiteHouse) December 9, 2025
Fox News Digital reported that it had reached out to both Newsom’s office and the White House for comment on the exchange.
The posts appeared during a period of heightened enforcement activity by the Trump administration directed at illegal immigration. The White House message referenced continuing operations targeting criminal illegal aliens.
Peter Navarro, Trump’s senior counselor for trade and manufacturing, condemned Newsom’s use of the AI video.
Navarro wrote, “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.”
I went to prison, defending the constitution because of woke assholes like you who Weaponized our justice system. This isn’t close to funny. All you are doing is inciting more violence. https://t.co/d3CtmXLiLe
— Peter Navarro (@RealPNavarro) December 11, 2025
Newsom later reposted Navarro’s comments with a snowflake emoji.
— Gavin Newsom (@GavinNewsom) December 11, 2025
The exchange drew attention not only because of the use of AI-generated imagery, but also due to the ongoing national debate about political rhetoric and the use of digital manipulation in political messaging.
— Mrs B (@attackdogX) December 11, 2025
This is more realistic pic.twitter.com/q7zyJc0yFh
— Adam Francisco (@adamfrancisco_) December 11, 2025
— Dean Dreamcatcher ✝️♋️ (@DreamDeano) December 11, 2025
Being cuffed is Gavin’s dream pic.twitter.com/qSdKaQPbj5
— SteveO (@crypto_SteveO69) December 10, 2025
The White House did not respond publicly to the video as of Wednesday, and Newsom’s office has not issued further clarification beyond the posts themselves.
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