California Governor Gavin Newsom Says He's Under Investigation by Justice Department
The Allegation
California Governor Gavin Newsom announced Monday that the Justice Department is investigating him and his wife, Jennifer Siebel Newsom, alleging the probe is politically motivated and directed by President Trump. In a video posted to social media, Newsom said federal agents have knocked on the doors of family, friends, and former employees, demanded records, and dug through years of documents. He accused the Justice Department of "abusing the grand jury process."
Newsom stated explicitly: "Donald Trump isn't just coming after me because of my mean tweets. He's coming after me because I am considering running for president." He called Trump "simply the most corrupt president in American history" and said investigators have not found a crime but are "simply trying to find one."
What the Investigations Target
A source familiar with the investigations confirmed that several probes are ongoing and have been underway for roughly a year, originating in California through whistleblower complaints and government sources rather than from Washington. Federal prosecutors in Sacramento's U.S. Attorney's Office are handling the cases.
One investigation relates to Jennifer Siebel Newsom's taxes. A separate investigation involves Newsom's former chief of staff, Dana Williamson. She pleaded guilty in May to conspiracy to commit bank and wire fraud, filing a false tax return, and lying to an FBI agent. Newsom was not implicated in her case. Prosecutors alleged Williamson participated in a scheme to funnel funds from former Health and Human Services Secretary Xavier Becerra's dormant campaign account. Becerra was not accused of wrongdoing. A third investigation reportedly relates to a charity co-founded by Jennifer Siebel Newsom that promotes gender equity.
The Pattern Newsom Describes
Newsom cited other Trump critics who have faced Justice Department investigations, placing himself within what he called a "hit list." New York Attorney General Letitia James faced prosecution but prosecutors were unable to secure an indictment. Former FBI Director James Comey was indicted twice; a judge dismissed the first case after finding the prosecutor was unlawfully appointed, and the second remains ongoing. Former Federal Reserve Chairman Jerome Powell faced a probe into renovations of the central bank's Washington headquarters, which Trump had criticized, but the investigation was dropped in April after a key senator threatened to block Trump's nominee to replace Powell.
Newsom also referenced investigations into U.S. Senator Adam Schiff and Minnesota Governor Tim Walz. An adviser to the governor said federal agents expanded their probe as Acting Attorney General Todd Blanche took the helm of the Justice Department. Blanche previously represented Trump in cases involving classified documents, election interference, and his New York "hush money" case.
The Response
The Justice Department declined to comment on the investigation. The White House referred inquiries to the DOJ. Newsom's office filed a Freedom of Information Act request seeking records from the Justice Department "related to President Donald Trump's politically motivated investigation" into the governor and his wife.
Trump has repeatedly attacked Newsom on social media, calling him "dumb" and using the derogatory nickname "Newscum." Last year, Trump told reporters that Newsom should be arrested, citing his record as governor. Newsom, who is term-limited and leaves office in January 2027, has responded by mocking Trump's social media style and posting videos of the president appearing to sleep at public events.
