California Governor Faces Backlash For Preaching Morality While Once Shuttering Churches
SACRAMENTO, CA —California Governor Gavin Newsom invoked the Bible this week in an attempt to pressure congressional Republicans to end the ongoing government shutdown — a move that drew immediate criticism for what many call selective morality and political hypocrisy, especially since it is the Democrats who are making demands and holding the government hostage, refusing to keep the status quo with a continued resolution.
But in typical deceptive messaging and soundbites to try and sway public opinion, Newsom, speaking during a Monday news conference, accused GOP lawmakers of ignoring Christian principles of compassion and charity.
“It’s not a suggestion in the Old [and] the New Testament,” Newsom said. “They’re sitting there in their prayer breakfasts. Maybe they got an edited version of Donald Trump’s Bible, and they edited all of that out. Cruelty is the policy.”
The governor’s remarks came as federal food assistance programs face funding interruptions due to the shutdown, which has left over a million federal workers without pay. Yet, that command of Scripture was never directed towards governments as a justification to misuse taxpayer dollars for illegal immigrants, something Newsom doesn’t understand.
Rhetoric Sparks Backlash
Critics were quick to note the irony of Newsom invoking biblical language after years of governing in ways believers say contradict those same teachings.
White House spokeswoman Karoline Leavitt responded sharply: “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.”
The San Francisco Chronicle also published letters blasting the governor’s moral posturing, saying, “The hypocrisy is striking. Newsom built his brand by condemning Trump for using federal funds as a political weapon. Now he’s doing the same thing.”
A Political Pulpit
This isn’t the first time Newsom has mixed theology and politics. In 2022, his campaign placed billboards quoting Jesus’ words from Mark 12:31 (“Love your neighbor as yourself”) in red states that restricted abortion — urging women to come to California for “reproductive freedom.”
As the federal shutdown continues into its fourth week, both sides accuse the other of moral failure. Yet for many voters, Newsom’s sermon from the Capitol may raise as many questions about sincerity.
