California Governor Gavin Newsom invoked biblical teachings in his criticism of Republican leadership and the Trump administration over the federal government shutdown's impact on food assistance programs. In a press conference Tuesday in Sacramento, alongside state Attorney General Rob Bonta and Health and Human Services Secretary Kim Johnson, he cited passages from Matthew, Isaiah, Luke and Proverbs as evidence that feeding the poor is "core and central to what it is to align with God’s will."
Newsom argued that leaders who claim to be guided by their faith should act on those values in policy. He claimed that cruelty is a policy, not just a word used to describe a particular behavior.
"It's not a suggestion in the Old and the New Testament," Newsom said. "These guys need to stop the B.S. in Washington. They're sitting there in their prayer breakfasts. Maybe they got an edited version of [President] Donald Trump’s Bible, and they edited all of that out."
Newsom criticized President Trump for his handling of the shutdown, arguing that it is morally wrong to withhold food assistance from vulnerable populations.
"We're going to win this lawsuit," he said. "It's about serving those who are hungry."
California officials have accelerated $80 million to food banks and deployed volunteers and National Guard members to move supplies. Johnson warned that a lapse in SNAP benefits would increase poverty, citing the program as essential for 5.5 million residents monthly.
The White House pushed back against Newsom's assertions, accusing him of hypocrisy given his own record on church closures during COVID-19 and criticism of the power of prayer.
Newsom closed his remarks by again linking government action to biblical duty. "It's around food. It’s about serving those that are hungry," he said.
The standoff between the Trump administration and lawmakers continues, with Democrats insisting on keeping the government shut down until other issues are resolved.
Newsom argued that leaders who claim to be guided by their faith should act on those values in policy. He claimed that cruelty is a policy, not just a word used to describe a particular behavior.
"It's not a suggestion in the Old and the New Testament," Newsom said. "These guys need to stop the B.S. in Washington. They're sitting there in their prayer breakfasts. Maybe they got an edited version of [President] Donald Trump’s Bible, and they edited all of that out."
Newsom criticized President Trump for his handling of the shutdown, arguing that it is morally wrong to withhold food assistance from vulnerable populations.
"We're going to win this lawsuit," he said. "It's about serving those who are hungry."
California officials have accelerated $80 million to food banks and deployed volunteers and National Guard members to move supplies. Johnson warned that a lapse in SNAP benefits would increase poverty, citing the program as essential for 5.5 million residents monthly.
The White House pushed back against Newsom's assertions, accusing him of hypocrisy given his own record on church closures during COVID-19 and criticism of the power of prayer.
Newsom closed his remarks by again linking government action to biblical duty. "It's around food. It’s about serving those that are hungry," he said.
The standoff between the Trump administration and lawmakers continues, with Democrats insisting on keeping the government shut down until other issues are resolved.
I'm wondering if politicians like Gavin Newsom should just stick to their day jobs instead of quoting biblical passages in the middle of a press conference 
... It sounds like a bit of a distraction from the issue at hand - the government shutdown and its impact on food assistance programs. Don't get me wrong, it's great that he's passionate about feeding the poor, but does he really need to bring his faith into it? 
The White House pushing back against him for hypocrisy doesn't sit well either... how can you criticize someone's record while still using biblical teachings as a tool? 
. And what about all the times he and his crew came after church closures during COVID-19? That was a whole different story 
. Anyway, I'm all for feeding people and taking care of those in need 
, but come on, let's not turn this into some kinda "I'm God's chosen one" vibe 
.
. btw, why do ppl have to get so attached to their ideologies? can't they see that there are people suffering over here? food is a basic human right, dude! 
what a genius move!! like he knew exactly how to get under trump's skin without being all judgy or anything. and honestly can u blame him for speaking up? those folks in the trumps admin are literally hurting ppl who need food the most 
it's not even about party politics, it's about basic human decency. i wish more people would stand up like that, even if they're from different sides of the aisle 
Those politicians think they can just ignore feeding the hungry because of some "prayer breakfasts" nonsense?! 
Like what even is that?! 
I'm calling BS on that one too! 
. I wish we could have a more nuanced conversation about how to fix our broken system without resorting to biblical interpretations or throwing shade at opposing politicians 
.
, you know? He's all like "cruelty is a policy, not just a word" and I'm low-key loving that 
. Like, shouldn't our leaders be guided by what we think is right and wrong? It's not just about the benjamins or political power plays 
. And I feel him on the whole SNAP benefits thing - food insecurity is no joke, fam 
. California's stepping up with $80 million to help those in need, that's some good vibes 
. The White House is all like "hypocrisy" but come on, let's focus on the issue at hand 
.
. Anyway, California's got their back and that's awesome 
(not that I'm taking sides or anything 
)
. Using biblical teachings to call out the cruelty of withholding food assistance from vulnerable populations? 
That takes guts! I love how he called out the hypocrisy and suggested that faith shouldn't be used as a justification for hurting people. It's all about serving those who need it most, you know? 
The fact that California is stepping up to support food banks and volunteers speaks volumes about their commitment to doing what's right. 