California Governor Gavin Newsom, a Democrat, claims the Justice Department is conducting a politically-driven investigation against him and his wife. Newsom, a known adversary of former President Donald Trump, shared in a video on X that federal agents have approached his friends and previous employees for records.
Although Newsom did not specify the probe’s focus, his office notes that the investigation seems to be expanding into more personal areas involving the Governor’s family and associates. Newsom suggested the inquiry results from his potential presidential run and frequent criticisms of Trump.
Details on the Justice Department’s involvement with Newsom remain unclear. Observers suggest the investigation may reinforce claims that Trump’s administration is weaponizing federal authorities against political rivals.
An anonymous source refuted claims of a direct investigation against Newsom. However, they confirmed ongoing federal probes into individuals in Newsom’s circles, including his wife’s tax-related issues. This investigation started last year without Washington’s political leadership influence.
A separate probe involves Newsom’s former chief of staff, Dana Williamson, indicted for alleged involvement in misappropriating campaign funds from former federal Health Secretary Xavier Becerra. Williamson pled guilty to bank fraud-related conspiracy charges. Initiated under President Joe Biden’s Justice Department, this investigation now examines other staff members.
Newsom is not accused of misconduct in Williamson’s case. The Justice Department declined to comment, and Acting Attorney General Todd Blanche avoided questions about Newsom during a brief meeting with Senate Judiciary Committee Chairman Chuck Grassley.
These investigations add Newsom to a list of Trump’s political adversaries under federal scrutiny. Previously included are former FBI Director James Comey, New York Attorney General Letitia James, former CIA Director John Brennan, and former Federal Reserve Chair Jerome Powell.
Newsom insists the probes reflect Trump’s tactic of targeting challengers and affirming his inclusion on Trump’s adversarial list. His office accuses the Justice Department of inventing crimes. His wife, Jennifer Siebel Newsom, condemns Trump’s methods as overreaching in pursuit of personal gain or opposition targeting.
Trump has consistently opposed California’s Democrat-led policies, including state efforts to reduce vehicle emissions and aid wildfire recovery. The state frequently counters by suing the federal government. Newsom spearheaded a successful redistricting strategy in California to combat a Trump-supported Texas move aiming to secure Republican gains in House seats.
The Associated Press contributed to this report from Washington.
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