U.S. News
Newsom Cites Bible to Criticize Shutdown
Clear Facts
- California Gov. Gavin Newsom criticized Republican leaders and the Trump administration for the government shutdown’s impact on food assistance.
- Newsom cited Scripture, claiming the duty to help the hungry is central to faith, and accused Washington of failing that obligation.
- California and other states have filed a lawsuit against the Trump administration’s USDA over the suspension of SNAP benefits.
California Governor Gavin Newsom spoke out against the federal government shutdown’s effect on food assistance during a Sacramento press event.
He was joined by state Attorney General Rob Bonta and Health and Human Services Secretary Kim Johnson as they announced a lawsuit against the U.S. Department of Agriculture regarding SNAP benefits.
Newsom invoked biblical teachings from Matthew, Isaiah, Luke, and Proverbs, arguing that caring for the hungry is “core and central to what it is to align to God’s will.”
“It’s not a suggestion in the [Old and the New Testament],” Newsom said.
He accused national leaders of hypocrisy, referencing their participation in prayer breakfasts and suggesting they ignore these biblical obligations. “Cruelty is the policy,” Newsom added.
California and 24 other states are challenging the Trump administration’s decision to suspend November SNAP benefits during the shutdown.
Attorney General Bonta claimed the USDA is “unlawfully withholding payments.”
Newsom highlighted his Jesuit background and called for policies that reflect religious values of compassion.
He also criticized White House press secretary Karoline Leavitt’s emphasis on prayer after the Annunciation Catholic Church shooting, stating, “These children were literally praying as they got shot at.”
Newsom reiterated, “We’re going to win this lawsuit. It’s about serving those that are hungry.”
The state expedited $80 million to food banks and deployed volunteers and the National Guard to distribute food. CalFresh, the state’s SNAP program, serves 5.5 million residents monthly, and officials warn that losing benefits could worsen poverty rates.
White House spokeswoman Abigail Jackson responded, “It’s preposterous that Newsom, who shuttered churches during COVID and recently derided the power of prayer, is now attempting to manipulate religion to fit his own political agenda.”
Jackson continued, “President Trump wants the government open — the Democrats’ insistence on keeping it shut down is hurting the American people, but they could prevent these harms by simply reopening the government. Instead of distorting religion for political means, Newsom should urge his fellow Democrats to reopen the government.”
USDA Secretary Brooke Rollins stated Democrats refuse to vote on measures to restore SNAP funding and reopen the government.
“We are right at the cliff. And I’ve been warning about this for almost a month now, that we have enough money to get us through the end of October. But after that, the government has to reopen,” Rollins said.
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