UPDATE: California Governor Gavin Newsom has launched a fierce attack on President Donald Trump, accusing him of neglecting millions of Americans as crucial food benefits hang in the balance. With just weeks to go, 5.5 million Californians face the suspension of their Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program (SNAP) benefits starting November 1. Newsom’s comments come amid a government shutdown that has left many families at risk of hunger.
In a statement made earlier today, Newsom criticized Trump for “parading around the world” while Americans confront food insecurity. His remarks followed the announcement that 21 states, including California, are suing Trump’s Department of Agriculture (USDA) over its refusal to provide funding for SNAP during the shutdown. “It’s cruel and speaks to his basic lack of humanity,” Newsom declared, referencing Trump’s ongoing trip to Asia.
Newsom emphasized that the impending cuts to SNAP benefits will have devastating effects, particularly as families prepare for Thanksgiving. “This choice they’re making, not to provide the contingency funds to mitigate the impacts during Thanksgiving… that’s cruelty,” he said. The governor pointed out that many families rely on these benefits during times of economic hardship.
California’s Attorney General Rob Bonta is also taking action, asserting that the USDA has a legal obligation to utilize available funds to ensure Americans are fed. “The Department of Agriculture has the authority to keep millions of families from going hungry,” Bonta stated, underscoring the urgency of the situation.
Newsom further criticized Trump for implementing cuts totaling $186 billion across various programs, including SNAP and Medicaid, labeling the shutdown a “manufactured crisis.” He argued that Trump’s actions demonstrate a disconnect from the struggles faced by everyday Americans.
As Trump continues his overseas engagements, Newsom questioned the president’s priorities. “Why is he traveling abroad with a crisis of this magnitude at home?” Newsom asked, highlighting Trump’s recent golfing weekend just before the shutdown commenced.
“He’s disassociated and disconnected from the pain and suffering of the real American people,” Newsom added, calling Trump an “unserious” president. The governor insists that the impasse will only end when Trump returns to negotiate in good faith with Congress.
In a poignant reminder of the stakes, Newsom has been active on social media, sharing statistics about the nearly 1 million Americans who have lost their jobs this year, the highest rate since 2020. His posts include an article about food banks preparing for increased demand, with a caption that reads, “Donald Trump is out of the country while he allows American citizens to starve.”
As this situation develops, the focus remains on how the federal government will respond to the impending food crisis. Newsom’s comments serve as a rallying cry for those affected by the shutdown, and the urgency of the matter cannot be overstated.
The White House has yet to respond to requests for comments regarding Newsom’s accusations. As families brace for the possibility of going hungry this holiday season, the implications of this political standoff are profound and immediate, urging citizens to stay informed and engaged.
