Gavin Newsom Says Trump Directed Justice Department to Investigate Him and His Wife

California Governor Gavin Newsom announced on Monday that the U.S. Department of Justice has opened an investigation into him and his wife, Jennifer Siebel Newsom. In a fiery video statement released on social media, the Democratic governor accused President Donald Trump of personally directing the probe as a retaliatory measure against a political rival.[1][4]

According to Newsom, federal agents have spent recent days knocking on the doors of family friends, former employees, business associates, and donors. Investigators are reportedly demanding records and digging through years of documents in what the governor characterized as an abuse of the grand jury process.[5][7]

"They have not found a crime—they are simply trying to find one," Newsom said in his statement, framing the investigation as a baseless "fishing expedition." He explicitly linked the probe to his political ambitions, asserting that Trump is targeting him because he is actively considering a run for the presidency in 2028.[3][7]

The exact focus of the federal inquiry remains officially unconfirmed, and Newsom's office stated that neither the governor nor the First Partner have received subpoenas yet. However, unnamed sources cited in recent reports suggest there are multiple federal investigations underway, including at least one specifically examining Siebel Newsom's financial records.[1][7]

Newsom expressed particular outrage over the inclusion of his wife in the federal sweep. "You can subpoena my records. You can investigate me. You can harass me," Newsom said, addressing the president directly. "Put my name on every and any enemy's list you have, but leave my wife and family out of your personal vendetta."[1][4]

The Justice Department has not publicly confirmed the existence of the investigation and did not immediately respond to requests for comment. The White House similarly declined to address the governor's allegations, referring all inquiries back to federal law enforcement officials.[5][6]

The California governor situated the probe within a broader, unprecedented pattern of the Justice Department being deployed against the president's perceived political enemies. Newsom noted that he proudly joins a "hit list" of figures who have faced federal scrutiny after challenging the administration.[2][4]

That list of investigated adversaries includes former FBI Director James Comey, New York Attorney General Letitia James, Senator Adam Schiff, former Federal Reserve Chair Jerome Powell, and Minnesota Governor Tim Walz. Institutional watchdogs have repeatedly warned that these probes represent a severe weaponization of the federal justice system.[4][5][6]

By preemptively announcing the investigation before any subpoenas were served or charges filed, Newsom appears to be executing a deliberate strategy to control the public narrative. The move allows him to frame any future DOJ actions as inherently corrupt and politically motivated before investigators can present their findings.[2][3]

The clash marks a significant escalation in the ongoing hostilities between California and the federal government. The two administrations have spent years battling over climate regulations, pipeline approvals, and the deployment of National Guard troops, but a direct criminal probe into the state's executive leadership pushes the conflict into uncharted territory.[1][5]