Senator Adam Schiff of California publicly criticized the Department of Justice’s investigation into Governor Gavin Newsom and his wife, Jennifer Siebel Newsom, questioning the legitimacy of the probe and suggesting it may be politically motivated. Schiff, a close ally of Newsom, spoke on June 23 during an interview with KCRA, emphasizing concerns about potential misuse of the DOJ under the Trump administration.

The investigation reportedly centers on the Newsoms’ tax records and the finances of nonprofits linked to Jennifer Siebel Newsom. Additionally, it extends to inquiries related to a separate case involving the governor’s former chief of staff, who has pleaded guilty to charges. Schiff pointed out that, according to the governor’s former chief of staff, Newsom himself was not involved in the conduct leading to the plea, noting that this is the extent of the known facts.

Newsom has accused former President Donald Trump of directing the DOJ to pursue these investigations as a form of political retaliation amid speculation that Trump may seek the presidency again in 2028. Schiff echoed concerns about what he described as “dramatic proof” of the DOJ’s abuse during the Trump administration, citing his own experience as a longtime target due to his leadership roles in the House impeachment proceedings and the January 6 committee.

The California senator, who began his first term in the Senate in 2024, acknowledged that while investigations can be appropriate in some circumstances, the current situation appears to reflect a pattern of politically motivated targeting. He emphasized the importance of evaluating the facts carefully but suggested the inquiry into Newsom falls within a broader context of what he called “terrible abuse” of government authority by the Trump DOJ.