Newsom Criticizes Justice Department Probe, Citing Political Motives

SACRAMENTO, Calif (AP) — California Governor Gavin Newsom, a Democrat, accused the Justice Department of initiating a politically-driven investigation into him and his wife. Newsom stated that the Trump administration is targeting him as he considers a presidential run. In a video posted on X, he mentioned that federal agents have contacted his acquaintances and former employees requesting records.

Newsom did not disclose precise details about the investigation. However, his office claims the inquiry has expanded into personal aspects concerning his family and professional network. He asserted, “Donald Trump isn’t merely confronting me because of my critical tweets. He’s targeting me due to my potential presidential candidacy and my consistent challenges to his dishonesty.”

While the Justice Department’s specifics about inquiries related to Newsom remain unclear, critics suggest that the Trump administration is manipulating law enforcement to attack political adversaries. A source familiar with the situation denied any investigation directly targeting Newsom but acknowledged multiple federal probes involving people associated with him. This includes an inquiry into his wife’s taxes, which began last year without political direction from Washington.

Another investigation involves Newsom’s former chief of staff, Dana Williamson, charged with stealing campaign funds from former Health Secretary Xavier Becerra. Williamson admitted guilt to conspiracy to commit bank fraud in May. The probe, initiated by the Biden administration’s Justice Department, has expanded to include additional staff members, according to the source. Newsom remains uncharged regarding Williamson’s case.

The Justice Department declined to comment, and Acting Attorney General Todd Blanche refrained from discussing Newsom during a brief interaction with Senate Judiciary Committee Chair Chuck Grassley. These investigations are part of broader actions by the Justice Department against Trump’s perceived political enemies, including former FBI Director James Comey, New York Attorney General Letitia James, and others.

Newsom expressed, “Anyone who has confronted Donald Trump has made his hit list, and today, I proudly join.” His office accused the Justice Department of “searching for nonexistent crimes,” while his wife, Jennifer Siebel Newsom, criticized the investigation, stating Trump’s lack of fitness for office. “Trump displays no limits in achieving his goals or opposing challengers,” she noted.

During Trump’s second term, he frequently targeted California, including restricting initiatives to curb vehicle emissions, withholding wildfire recovery aid, and disputing state policies supporting transgender athletes. The state challenged back with numerous lawsuits against the federal government. Newsom notably countered Trump’s Texas redistricting effort by backing a measure in California, securing five additional House seats for Democrats.