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In a fervent critique of the Trump administration’s handling of SNAP benefits amid a prolonged government shutdown, California Governor Gavin Newsom invoked biblical teachings to underscore the alleged inhumanity of the situation. The governor’s remarks came during a Sacramento press conference as he elaborated on California’s participation in a multi-state lawsuit against the USDA.
Newsom, aligning his arguments with biblical scripture, criticized the federal government for halting Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program (SNAP) benefits just as the shutdown is set to continue into another month. California, joining over 20 other states, is challenging the USDA’s actions in court.
The governor had previously declared his intention to deploy the California National Guard to assist food banks and expedite $80 million in state funding to ensure support for more than 5.5 million residents dependent on food stamps, as outlined in a recent announcement from his office.
During the press meeting, with state officials like Attorney General Rob Bonta and Health and Human Services Secretary Kim Johnson by his side, Newsom stated, “The New Testament and Old Testament have one dominant thing in common—Matthew, Isaiah, Luke, Proverbs, go down the list—it’s about food, about serving those who are hungry. It’s not a suggestion; it’s core and essential to what it means to align with God’s will.”
Newsom: The New Testament and Old Testament have one dominant thing in common—Matthew, Isaiah, Luke, Proverbs, go down the list—it’s about food, about serving those who are hungry. It’s not a suggestion; it’s core and essential to what it means to align with God’s will.
I say… pic.twitter.com/FnVIumBYiR
— Acyn (@Acyn) October 28, 2025
Recalling his education under Fr. Richard T. Coz at Jesuit Santa Clara University, Newsom pointed out the emphasis placed on feeding the hungry within the Bible. He remarked on Capitol Hill Republicans’ perceived hypocrisy, stating, “It’s not a suggestion in the Old [and] the New Testament; it’s core and central to what it is to align to God’s will, period full stop.”
The governor further criticized them, insinuating that their actions might be informed by what he sarcastically termed “an edited version of Donald Trump’s Bible.” He concluded that the withholding of benefits represents an “intentional cruelty” in policy.
However, the White House rebuffed Newsom’s biblical references, accusing him of twisting religious beliefs for his political ends. “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,” said White House deputy press secretary Abigail Jackson, as reported by Fox News.
Jackson added that President Trump seeks to reopen the government, while attributing the continuation of the shutdown to Democratic actions. She urged Newsom to encourage his party to compromise and end the shutdown instead of using religious rhetoric.
Newsom’s previous use of biblical citations for political purposes included his 2023 gubernatorial campaign, where he faced criticism for controversial billboards advocating for abortion rights using a quote from Mark 12:31.
This article was originally written by www.christianpost.com
