Gavin Newsom Accuses Trump of Directing DOJ Investigation Into Him and His Wife
California Gov. Gavin Newsom escalated his long-running conflict with President Donald Trump on Monday, accusing the president of directing the Department of Justice to investigate him and his wife, Jennifer Siebel Newsom, as part of a politically motivated campaign.
In a video statement, Newsom alleged federal agents have recently contacted family friends and former employees while seeking records and information connected to him and his family. He claimed the effort was designed to uncover a crime rather than investigate an established allegation.
Newsom framed the reported investigations as retaliation for his criticism of Trump and his consideration of a possible 2028 presidential campaign. The California governor said he believes he has become part of a broader effort to target political opponents.
However, public reporting suggests the underlying investigations may not have originated directly from Washington. Reuters and other outlets reported that some inquiries involving Newsom-related matters have been active for months and were reportedly initiated by federal prosecutors in California.
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The White House reportedly referred questions to the Justice Department, while public reports indicate DOJ did not immediately provide detailed public comment.
Newsom is among the Democratic figures most frequently mentioned as a potential contender for the 2028 presidential nomination. Any federal investigation touching the governor or his family would likely become a major national political issue, particularly if allegations emerge that federal law enforcement is being used for partisan purposes.
At this stage, Newsom’s claim that Trump personally directed the investigations remains an allegation rather than an established fact. The central question moving forward is whether additional documentation, court filings, or DOJ disclosures provide evidence supporting or contradicting that assertion.
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