California Deploys National Guard to Distribute Food Aid

California Governor Gavin Newsom announced the deployment of the National Guard to distribute emergency food assistance, responding to rising demand caused by the ongoing US federal government shutdown.

The shutdown has left hundreds of thousands of federal employees nationwide without pay, placing the greatest strain on the country’s poorest families.

The stalemate stems from disagreements in Congress between Republican and Democratic lawmakers over the federal budget approval process.

With no resolution, essential aid programs such as SNAP food benefits are at risk of running out in the coming days, threatening millions of low-income Americans who rely on these resources to feed their families.

Governor Newsom, a leading Democratic figure and potential 2028 presidential candidate, emphasized the urgency of the situation, highlighting the immediate impact on vulnerable populations.

National Guard personnel, typically deployed during natural disasters or military missions abroad, are now assisting in humanitarian efforts within the state.

The US government shutdown began on October 1 after Republicans and Democrats disagreed on a temporary funding plan. Since then, hundreds of thousands of civilian federal employees have been forced to take unpaid leave, exacerbating financial hardship for struggling households.

In recent months, the deployment of the National Guard has drawn political attention, with former President Donald Trump previously sending troops to Democratic-led cities such as Los Angeles and Washington, D.C., to support law enforcement during protests over immigration policies.