Rep. Jared Huffman, U.S. Congressman representing California’s 2nd district since 2013, posted a series of tweets on July 16, 2025, addressing claims made by Duffy regarding the display and history of a painting at the United States Merchant Marine Academy (USMMA).
In his first tweet, Huffman wrote: “2. Duffy claims the painting is “historic” and should therefore be displayed in the disciplinary hearing room. But the painting was originally hung in the USMMA Chapel.” (July 16, 2025)
He continued with another post: “3. Duffy claims he “brought Jesus up from the basement” implying the Biden administration had rolled the painting up and hidden it away. In fact, it was carefully restored by Duffy’s predecessor Pete Buttigieg (a devout Christian) and was being displayed in the USMMA Chapel (it’s” (July 16, 2025)
In a third tweet that day, Huffman addressed funding issues for USMMA: “4. Duffy deflects to funding for USMMA to fix water pipes and other critical needs, which I support – but apparently Duffy does not. The Trump administration just proposed a budget slashing $33M from the USMMA budget.” (July 16, 2025)
Jared Huffman has served as a member of Congress since succeeding Lynn Woolsey in 2013 and previously held office in the California State Assembly from 2006 to 2012. Born in Independence, Missouri in 1964 and currently residing in San Rafael, Huffman holds degrees from both UC Santa Barbara and Boston College.
