Newsom Alleges DOJ Investigations Are Politically Motivated
"They have not found a crime — they are simply trying to find one."
— Governor Gavin Newsom
California Governor Gavin Newsom stated on Monday that the U.S. Department of Justice is conducting investigations involving him and his wife, Jennifer Siebel Newsom. Newsom characterized the probes as politically motivated, alleging they were directed by President Donald Trump. The Department of Justice has not commented on the governor's statements, and a source familiar with the matter has provided alternative accounts of the investigations' origins and scope.
Details of the Investigations
According to Governor Newsom's office, federal agents have contacted family members, friends, and former employees of the governor, issuing subpoenas for records and conducting interviews. Newsom stated, "In recent days, federal agents have knocked on the doors of family, friends and former employees. Not because they found a crime. Because they are simply trying to find one."
A source familiar with the matter told CNN that there is no direct investigation into Governor Newsom. The source stated that the U.S. Attorney's Office for the Eastern District of California is leading probes into several individuals connected to the governor, including his wife, Jennifer Siebel Newsom, over potential tax-related crimes. The source added that the Department of Justice's political leadership in Washington was not involved in the decision to open these investigations, which were reportedly prompted by whistleblower complaints last year.
Another investigation involves Dana Williamson, a former chief of staff to Governor Newsom. Williamson was indicted in November 2025 on federal charges alleging involvement in a scheme to steal campaign funds from former U.S. Secretary of Health and Human Services Xavier Becerra, for whom she also worked. She pleaded guilty to three of 23 charges in May. Governor Newsom has not been accused of wrongdoing in that case. Newsom's office pointed to past comments from Williamson's attorney, stating that federal investigators offered Williamson leniency in exchange for information about the governor, but that she had nothing to share.
Responses from Involved Parties
"You can subpoena my records. You can investigate me. You can harass me. Put my name on every and any enemy's list you have, but leave my wife and family out of your personal vendetta."
— Governor Gavin Newsom
Governor Newsom stated, "They have not found a crime — they are simply trying to find one." He also said, "You can subpoena my records. You can investigate me. You can harass me. Put my name on every and any enemy's list you have, but leave my wife and family out of your personal vendetta."
Jennifer Siebel Newsom released a statement saying, "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 also said she and her husband "will continue to speak truth to power."
The Department of Justice declined to comment. The White House also declined to comment. CNN has reached out to the FBI for comment. Acting Attorney General Todd Blanche did not address questions about Newsom during a meeting with Senator Chuck Grassley.
Context
Governor Newsom is a potential candidate for the 2028 Democratic presidential nomination and has been a prominent critic of President Donald Trump. The Justice Department has opened investigations into several other perceived political opponents of President Trump, including former FBI Director James Comey and New York Attorney General Letitia James; some of those investigations were dismissed in court.
President Trump has repeatedly targeted California during his second term, including withholding aid for wildfire recovery and suing over state policies on transgender student-athletes. California has responded by suing the federal government multiple times.