California Governor Gavin Newsom has claimed that he and his wife are under investigation by the US Department of Justice in what he describes as a politically motivated probe directed by President Donald Trump.
In a statement on Monday, Newsom said federal agents had recently contacted family members, friends, and former staff, alleging an extensive effort to uncover wrongdoing.
“They have knocked on the doors of family, friends and former employees not because they found a crime, because they’re simply trying to find one,” he said.
He further accused investigators of demanding records and misusing the grand jury process to “dig through years and years of random documents.”
Newsom argued that the investigation was tied to his political profile and potential future ambitions, claiming Trump’s administration was targeting him because he has been a vocal critic of the president.
“He isn’t coming after me because of mean tweets, but because I am considering running for president,” he said.
The governor also said he only recently learned that his wife, Jennifer Siebel Newsom, was also being scrutinised, describing it as an escalation of the pressure campaign against him.
“If they can’t intimidate me, they’ll go after the mother of our children,” he said. “Donald Trump picked the wrong target.”
Newsom insisted there was no wrongdoing on his part and said he would comply fully with any legal requests, while also accusing the administration of engaging in broader political retaliation against Trump critics.
The White House declined to comment on the allegations and referred inquiries to the Justice Department, which also did not provide a response. However, a source familiar with the matter said multiple investigations had been initiated in Sacramento, including probes linked to whistleblower information and financial matters involving Newsom’s associates.
Newsom’s office strongly rejected the claims, calling them false and politically driven, while announcing a Freedom of Information Act request to obtain internal Justice Department records referencing him and his wife.
In his remarks, Newsom compared the situation to other investigations involving figures he described as Trump’s political opponents, arguing it reflects a pattern of weaponising federal institutions.
Addressing the president directly, he said: “You can subpoena my records, you can investigate me. You can harass me, put my name on every and any enemies list you have. But leave my wife and family out of your personal vendetta.”
Erizia Rubyjeana
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