California Governor Gavin Newsom announced Monday that he and his wife, Jennifer Siebel Newsom, are subjects of multiple federal investigations, which he characterized as politically motivated actions by the Department of Justice under President Donald Trump. Speaking in a video posted on social media platform X, the Democratic governor accused the Trump administration of using federal law enforcement to target him due to his potential 2028 presidential candidacy and his vocal criticism of the president.
Newsom said that in recent days, federal agents have approached friends, former employees, and associates seeking records and information related to him and his wife. While the governor did not specify the precise allegations, his office indicated the inquiry has broadened to include personal matters connected to the family and their professional network. According to sources familiar with the investigations, they date back at least a year and include inquiries into Jennifer Siebel Newsom’s involvement with certain nonprofits, some of which have received millions from special interests with business ties to the state. One probe reportedly involves potential tax-related violations linked to these organizations.
Several individuals linked to the Newsoms have been contacted by federal authorities, and subpoenas for banking records may have been issued, though details remain unclear. Another investigation pertains to a former state official, Dana Williamson, who served as Newsom’s chief of staff and pleaded guilty in May to federal corruption charges, including conspiracy to commit bank fraud. Newsom has not been implicated in that case.
Newsom framed the investigations as part of a broader pattern of the Trump administration targeting political rivals. He cited previous Justice Department probes or prosecutions involving figures such as former FBI Director James Comey, New York Attorney General Letitia James, former CIA Director John Brennan, and Federal Reserve Chair Jerome Powell. The governor asserted that President Trump has weaponized the federal government to intimidate opponents and reward allies, stating, “One by one, anyone who has challenged Donald Trump has ended up on his hit list. And today I proudly join that list.”
The investigations emerged from federal law enforcement officials in California, not directly from Washington, according to people familiar with the matter who spoke on condition of anonymity due to the ongoing nature of the probes. These sources also indicated the investigations were prompted by whistleblower complaints within California government dating back to last year. The Justice Department declined to comment on the inquiries, and the White House referred requests to the DOJ.
The governor’s office emphasized that nonprofit activities involving Jennifer Siebel Newsom’s documentary work and related organizations are lawful and that being examined for legitimate compensation as a filmmaker does not constitute wrongdoing. Nevertheless, Newsom accused the Justice Department of abusing grand jury processes and searching through extensive records without evidence of criminal conduct.
Newsom’s announcement coincided with heightened tensions between the California Democrat and President Trump, whose administration has previously clashed with the state over policies on emissions, wildfire aid, and transgender athletes. Trump has frequently criticized Newsom, including calls last year for his arrest over immigration-related protests in California.
By publicly revealing the investigations, Newsom joins other prominent figures who have chosen transparency in the face of federal scrutiny, including Powell, whose probe was eventually dropped. The governor maintained his innocence, stating, “Donald Trump picked the wrong target. We have nothing to hide.” He also suggested that if genuine corruption exists, investigators should look to the White House rather than his administration.