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Gavin Newsom Shames Democrats Who Caved in Shutdown Battle: ‘Pathetic… Capitulation and a Betrayal’

RNN Staff

California Governor Gavin Newsom lashed out at Senate Democrats on Sunday night, accusing them of surrendering to Republicans and betraying working-class Americans by agreeing to end the government shutdown without securing key healthcare concessions. Newsom’s fury came after eight Democrats broke with their party to help Republicans advance a continuing resolution (CR) that would fund the government through January 2026.

“Pathetic,” Newsom wrote bluntly on his personal X account.

His press office followed up with a blistering statement:
“This isn’t a deal. It’s a surrender. Don’t bend the knee!”

On his official gubernatorial account, Newsom expanded his criticism:
“Tonight’s Senate vote on the federal government shutdown should have been a time for strength. Instead, we saw capitulation and a betrayal of working Americans. The American people need more from their leaders.”

The bill advanced with zero votes to spare and includes no guarantee that enhanced Obamacare premium subsidies—one of the Democrats’ key demands—will be extended. Instead, Democrats walked away with only a vague promise from Senate Majority Whip John Thune (R-SD) that a vote on the subsidies “might” be scheduled. House Speaker Mike Johnson (R-LA) has not committed to even bringing the measure to the floor.

Newsom’s condemnation comes after he spent weeks blaming President Donald Trump and Republicans for the government shutdown, which lasted 41 days. But Sunday’s events revealed deep divisions among Democrats themselves.

Earlier that day, Newsom appeared on CNN, accusing the Trump administration of using food assistance programs as a weapon:
“This is shameful. Using food stamps as a bargaining chip to end this shutdown is a direct assault on America’s most vulnerable,” he said, referencing the Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program (SNAP).

The list of Democrats who sided with Republicans includes Sens. Maggie Hassan (D-NH), Jeanne Shaheen (D-NH), Dick Durbin (D-IL), Jacky Rosen (D-NV), Tim Kaine (D-VA), Catherine Cortez-Masto (D-NM), John Fetterman (D-PA), and independent Angus King (I-ME), who caucuses with Democrats. Their votes were enough to push the motion forward, despite unified Republican support and a lone “no” vote from Sen. Rand Paul (R-KY), who opposed the CR on fiscal grounds.

The funding bill itself includes a series of uncontroversial appropriations that will keep the government running until January 30, 2026. But Newsom and other progressive voices viewed it as a missed opportunity to secure lasting policy wins—particularly on health care.

The fallout signals a larger rift in the Democratic Party, with Newsom, widely considered a potential 2028 presidential contender, drawing a sharp ideological line. His rebuke could become a rallying cry for the progressive wing of the party, which is increasingly frustrated by what it sees as a lack of backbone from Democrat leadership in Congress.

With tensions rising and another funding fight likely just months away, Newsom’s words may not just be political commentary—but a preview of a larger battle brewing within the Democratic Party.

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