California Governor Gavin Newsom Alleges Justice Department Investigations Target Family, Staff Over Trump Opposition
California Governor Gavin Newsom alleged on Monday that the US Department of Justice is investigating individuals within his circle, including his wife and former staff, a move he attributed to his political opposition to Donald Trump.
"In recent days, federal agents have knocked on the door of family, friends, and former employees," Newsom stated in a video. "Not because they found crime, because they're simply trying to find one." He further suggested Trump was "coming after me because I'm considering running for president," referencing speculation about a 2028 White House bid.
A source familiar with the investigations confirmed multiple inquiries had been ongoing for approximately a year, but denied Trump's involvement. The investigations, reportedly handled by federal prosecutors in Sacramento, are said to have originated from "whistleblowers and government sources" within California. One probe reportedly concerns Newsom's wife's taxes, and another relates to an unspecified former chief of staff.
While Newsom did not name the aides under scrutiny, his former chief of staff, Dana Williamson, pleaded guilty in May to federal charges related to a campaign finance fraud scheme. This scheme did not implicate Newsom directly.
Newsom presented the investigations as political persecution, accusing the President of corruption and asserting that the inquiry into his wife, Jennifer Siebel Newsom, was intended to cause him harm. "One by one anyone who has challenged Donald Trump has ended up on his hit list, and today, I proudly joined that list," Newsom declared.
The Justice Department has previously pursued prosecutions or investigations against other prominent critics of Donald Trump, including former FBI Director James Comey and New York Attorney General Letitia James, both of whom denied wrongdoing. The White House and the Justice Department declined to comment on Newsom's allegations.
