California Governor Gavin Newsom criticized the agreement reached by Senate Democrats and Republicans to reopen the government, describing it as “pathetic.” He expressed disappointment over the Senate Democrats failing to secure an extension of enhanced Obamacare premium subsidies, claiming they let down “working Americans.”
Newsom, who is considered a prominent candidate for the 2028 presidential election, took to social media on Sunday night. He noted that several Democratic senators joined Republicans in a procedural vote to pass a continuing resolution (CR) aimed at funding government operations.
“Pathetic,” he remarked on his personal X account.
His office echoed this sentiment, labeling the Democratic compromise as “pathetic.” They further stated, “This is not an agreement. Surrender. Don’t bend your knees!”
More thoughts from Newsom were shared on his official governor’s account. He commented, “Tonight’s Senate vote concerning the federal government shutdown should have showcased strength. Instead, we witnessed surrender and a betrayal of working Americans. The American public deserves better from their leaders.”
For the past 41 days, Newsom has pointed fingers at President Donald Trump and the Republican Party, although he acknowledged that Democrats could have opted to end the government shutdown themselves.
A few hours before his social media comments, he appeared on CNN, calling the Trump administration “disgraceful” and criticizing them for using the Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program (SNAP), commonly known as food stamps, as leverage in the shutdown negotiations.
Meanwhile, Senators Maggie Hassan, Jeanne Shaheen, Dick Durbin, Jacky Rosen, and Tim Kaine participated in the discussions. Some Democrats defected from Senate Minority Leader Chuck Schumer, aligning with former voters like Catherine Cortez Masto, Angus King, and John Fetterman, which allowed the CR passed by the House to proceed.
On the Republican side, Sen. Rand Paul was the only senator to vote against the motion. The resolution passed without opposition, facilitating a vote on a clean CR to fund the government until January 30, 2026. Reports indicated that a relatively straightforward spending bill had been extended through the fiscal year.
Instead of securing a prolonged guarantee of enhanced Obamacare premium subsidies, which Democrats had sought during the pandemic, Senate Majority Leader John Thune only offered a promise of a vote. House Speaker Mike Johnson has yet to commit to bringing the bill up for a vote.
