California Attorney General Criticizes Trump Over DOJ Probe Into Newsom

California Attorney General Rob Bonta criticized Gov. Gavin Newsom’s accusations that the Trump administration weaponized the Justice Department. Reports indicate the federal probe involving Newsom and his wife began in California, not in Washington, D.C.

Bonta expressed doubt about the probe’s integrity. He stated, “This is highly dubious—there’s no trust in it. Someone has weaponized the U.S. DOJ repeatedly, and it seems like it’s happening again.”

Newsom publicly announced on social media that he and his wife, Jen Siebel Newsom, are under investigation by the DOJ. He claimed President Donald Trump instructed the DOJ to target them, adding that they are now on “Donald Trump’s hit list.”

During a public appearance, Newsom discussed the probe. He is considered a potential 2028 presidential candidate. Bonta remarked, “Newsom is the governor for the biggest, bluest state in the nation, with one of the largest economies globally. It suggests his presidential prospects are influencing this situation.”

Bonta told Fox News Digital that Trump has shifted the Justice Department from civil prosecutions to “political persecutions against political enemies.” He accused Trump of instructing former Attorney General Pam Bondi to target political adversaries. Bonta argued this undermines trust in the investigation’s motives.

Bonta also mentioned Trump’s use of the DOJ to politically persecute enemies. He referenced “shifty Schiff” in his remarks. Notably, Sen. Adam Schiff, D-Calif., did not comment on whether federal prosecutors in California, not Washington, opened the probe.

Sources told Fox News that the investigation has been ongoing since 2025, originating from whistleblower complaints concerning Newsom’s personal finances. The Sacramento U.S. Attorney’s Office is managing the case. The Associated Press reported that Washington was not involved in the probe’s initiation.

An investigation from then-President Joe Biden’s administration previously resulted in charges against Newsom’s former chief of staff, Dana Williamson. She pleaded guilty to concealing internal information sharing. Newsom was not involved. Newsom’s office believes federal investigators from Trump’s time expanded the probe’s scope to include Newsom.

The Governor’s office stated it filed a public records request on Monday to obtain DOJ documents mentioning Newsom or his wife during Trump’s term, aiming to clarify the investigation’s nature. This request includes communications to and from DOJ officials.