“Governor Gavin Newsom today announced that he will deploy the California National Guard under his command and California Volunteers on a humanitarian mission to support food banks as the federal government shutdown delays food benefits for millions of California families. In addition to the California National Guard, Governor Newsom is fast-tracking upwards of $80 million in state support ahead of funding delays triggered by the shutdown. The deployment mirrors the Governor’s action in March 2020, where the California National Guard supported food banks during the pandemic. At that time, California created an urgent force overseeing the deployment of the California National Guard, the California Service Corps, and tens of thousands of volunteers to support food bank operations during the pandemic, serving more than 800 million meals.”

“The California National Guard will not be acting as law enforcement. Service members regularly provide support to state civilian authorities, including for Governor-directed missions to support wildfire preparedness and response, tackle deadly drug trafficking, and surge medical capacity during the global COVID-19 pandemic,” says Gov Gavin Newsom’s office in a press release.

“Trump’s failure isn’t abstract – it’s literally taking food out of people’s mouths. This is serious, this is urgent – and requires immediate action. Millions of Americans rely on food benefits to feed their families, and while Republicans in Washington drag their feet, California is stepping up once again to fill in the gaps. I’m expediting state funds for food banks and directing the California National Guard and California Volunteers to help distribute this food to families. As we approach the Thanksgiving holiday, California is working to ensure CalFresh recipients don’t go hungry while food prices are spiking under President Trump,” the release then quotes Newsom throwing the usual daggers.

Well ain’t that a pickle for the Orange God Emperor. Any attempts to federalize the state’s National Guard and order them into San Francisco to stand around and take selfies with tourists will come at the expense of their mission to distribute food to needy Californians. Well played.