The Department of Homeland Security hit back at California Gov. Gavin Newsom’s press office after it accused the Trump administration of “either lying” or being “clueless” about the facts surrounding the case of Harjinder Singh, the illegal immigrant truck driver accused of killing three people in Florida after he attempted to make a U-turn in an unauthorized area.
Newsom’s office was the one that got it wrong, however. In its snarky and tactless response to Tricia McLaughlin, assistant secretary for public affairs, the Democrat governor’s press office claimed the first Trump administration issued him a work permit.
Hey, genius: the federal government (TRUMP ADMIN) already confirmed that this guy meets federal and state immigration requirements -- YOU issued him a work permit (EAD).
— Governor Newsom Press Office (@GovPressOffice) August 18, 2025
As usual, the Trump Administration is either lying or clueless.
p.s. @grok, who was President in 2018? https://t.co/OHVnC3zS20 pic.twitter.com/raF7hFWGkb
"False. Harjinder Singh is in the United States illegally and his work authorization was rejected under the Trump Administration on September 14, 2020," she informed Newsom's office. "It was later approved under the Biden Administration June 9, 2021. The state of California issues Commercial Drivers Licenses. There is no national CDL. Sincerely, Genius."
False. Harjinder Singh is in the United States illegally and his work authorization was rejected under the Trump Administration on September 14, 2020. It was later approved under the Biden Administration June 9, 2021.
— Tricia McLaughlin (@TriciaOhio) August 18, 2025
The state of California issues Commercial Drivers Licenses.… https://t.co/4YSs3qIj2B
The “gut wrenching tragedy” would never have occurred had California not issued Singh a commercial driver’s license, DHS Secretary Kristi Noem said Monday.
Singh faces three counts of vehicular homicide and deportation.
