Gavin Newsom Accuses Trump DOJ of Politically Motivated Investigation/ Newslooks/ WASHINGTON/ J. Mansour/ Morning Edition/ California Gov. Gavin Newsom says the Trump Justice Department is investigating him and his wife in what he calls a politically motivated effort. Federal probes reportedly involve people in Newsom’s circle, including his wife’s taxes and former staff members. The accusations add to growing debate over whether the Justice Department is being used against political opponents.

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Gavin Newsom Investigation Quick Looks

• Newsom accused the Trump administration of launching a politically motivated probe.
• He claims federal agents contacted friends and former employees.
• The governor said the inquiry has expanded into family and personal matters.
• A source denied any investigation specifically targeting Newsom.
• One probe reportedly involves his wife’s taxes and predates Trump’s return to office.
• Another investigation stems from the case involving former aide Dana Williamson.
• Newsom has not been accused of wrongdoing in any known case.
• The governor filed a public records request seeking DOJ communications.
• The Justice Department declined to comment on the allegations.
• The dispute intensifies as Newsom weighs a possible 2028 presidential bid.

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Deep Look

Newsom Alleges Politically Motivated Investigation

California Gov. Gavin Newsom accused President Donald Trump’s Justice Department of conducting a politically driven investigation targeting him and his family as speculation grows about a possible 2028 presidential campaign.

In a video posted on social media Monday, the Democratic governor said federal agents had contacted people within his professional and personal circles, including friends and former staff members.

According to Newsom’s office, investigators have requested records and expanded inquiries into matters involving his family and network.

“Donald Trump isn’t just coming after me because of my mean tweets,” Newsom said.

“He’s coming after me because I’m considering running for president, because he hates that I’ve consistently called him out over and over again for his lies and deceit.”

Newsom, one of Trump’s most prominent political rivals, argued that the investigation represents an effort to intimidate opponents ahead of future elections.

Federal Probes Reportedly Extend Beyond the Governor

Despite Newsom’s allegations, a person familiar with the matter denied the existence of an investigation specifically targeting the governor.

However, the source said multiple federal investigations involve individuals connected to Newsom, including one tied to his wife’s taxes.

According to the source, that inquiry began last year before the current administration took office and did not involve political leadership in Washington.

Another federal probe centers on former Newsom chief of staff Dana Williamson, who pleaded guilty in May to charges including conspiracy to commit bank fraud.

The investigation originated during President Joe Biden’s administration and reportedly expanded to include other individuals connected to the governor’s circle.

Importantly, Newsom has not been accused of wrongdoing in relation to Williamson’s case.

Justice Department Remains Silent

The Justice Department declined to comment on the allegations.

Acting Attorney General Todd Blanche also avoided questions regarding Newsom during a meeting on Capitol Hill with Senate Judiciary Committee Chairman Chuck Grassley.

Newsom’s office claims investigators have subpoenaed records and contacted organizations associated with both the governor and his wife.

Officials close to Newsom argue that federal authorities are searching for evidence of misconduct without a clear basis.

The governor’s office said agents recently increased their inquiries into business dealings, finances and personal matters involving the Newsom family.

In response, Newsom filed a public records request seeking communications mentioning him or his wife between Justice Department officials during Trump’s second term.

Newsom Says He Has Joined Trump’s ‘Hit List’

The California governor framed the investigation as part of a broader pattern involving Trump’s political adversaries.

“One by one, anyone who has challenged Donald Trump has ended up on his hit list, and today I proudly join that list,” Newsom said.

The Justice Department has recently pursued investigations involving several prominent figures viewed as critics of Trump, including former FBI Director James Comey, New York Attorney General Letitia James, former CIA Director John Brennan and former Federal Reserve Chair Jerome Powell.

Critics argue such actions raise concerns about the politicization of federal law enforcement, while supporters contend investigations should proceed regardless of political status.

Jennifer Siebel Newsom Speaks Out

Jennifer Siebel Newsom, the governor’s wife, condemned the alleged investigation and criticized Trump’s leadership.

“There are clearly no boundaries to what Donald Trump will do to get his way or to challenge those who get in his way,” she said in a statement.

Her comments underscore the increasingly personal nature of the political clash between California’s first family and the White House.

A Longstanding Political Feud Intensifies

Relations between Newsom and Trump have grown increasingly contentious during Trump’s second term.

The administration has challenged California on multiple fronts, including environmental regulations, wildfire recovery funding and transgender athlete policies.

California has responded by filing dozens of lawsuits against the federal government.

Newsom also recently spearheaded efforts to counter Republican redistricting initiatives by backing changes aimed at helping Democrats gain additional House seats.

As speculation over the 2028 presidential race intensifies, the latest confrontation may further elevate Newsom’s national political profile while fueling debate over the independence of the Justice Department.

Whether the investigations ultimately produce evidence of wrongdoing or deepen accusations of political targeting remains uncertain.

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