California Gov. Gavin Newsom announced Wednesday he is deploying the state’s National Guard to help staff food banks amid the ongoing federal government shutdown.

Newsom said the move mirrors steps he took during the COVID-19 pandemic a few years ago. He warned that the prolonged shutdown — now in its 22nd day — could disrupt California’s CalFresh program, which provides food benefits to about 5.5 million residents.

Newsom blamed President Donald Trump and Republicans for the shutdown, accusing the president of "literally taking food out of people's mouths."

"This is serious, this is urgent — and requires immediate action," Newsom said in a statement. "Millions of Americans rely on food benefits to feed their families, and while Republicans in Washington drag their feet, California is

See Full Page