Newsom Accuses Trump of Directing DOJ Investigation Into Him and His Wife
California Governor Gavin Newsom publicly accused President Donald Trump on June 15, 2026, of directing the Department of Justice to investigate him and his wife, Jennifer Siebel Newsom. Newsom claimed federal agents contacted family, friends, and former employees not because a crime was found, but to find one, alleging political retaliation linked to his potential 2028 presidential run. The White House and DOJ have not commented. The accusation escalates tensions between the Democratic governor and the Republican former president.
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Newsom says DOJ investigations under Trump are political retribution
California Governor Gavin Newsom, a prominent critic of President Trump and potential 2028 Democratic presidential candidate, has revealed that the Department of Justice is investigating him and his wife, Jennifer Siebel Newsom. Newsom claims the probes are political retaliation for his opposition to Trump. The investigations, reportedly initiated a year ago based on whistleblower tips, include a fraud case against his former chief of staff Dana Williamson and a probe into Siebel Newsom's finances and tax issues related to her nonprofit. While Newsom frames this as an assault on the rule of law, some analysts suggest the situation is ethically complicated but not necessarily illegal, noting that Newsom's public defense may be a strategic move for a future presidential bid.
TheWeek feedGavin Newsom Defiant on DOJ Probe, Challenges Trump to 'Go After Me'
California Governor Gavin Newsom (D) projected defiance on Thursday regarding reported Justice Department investigations into himself and his wife, Jennifer Siebel Newsom. In an interview with MS NOW reporter Jacob Soboroff in Chicago, Newsom challenged President Donald Trump directly, saying, 'He wants to go after me?' He characterized the investigations as something 'that happens in other countries.' The remarks signal an escalating political confrontation between the Democratic governor and the Trump administration, though details of the DOJ probes remain unspecified in the report.
Just In NewsNewsom's Top Lawyer Challenges Acting AG Blanche to Investigate Trump
California Governor Gavin Newsom's top legal advisor, David Sapp, challenged acting U.S. Attorney General Todd Blanche to investigate President Donald Trump, following Newsom's announcement that the Department of Justice is investigating him and his wife. In a letter to Blanche, Sapp argued that the DOJ has poured substantial resources into investigating Newsom while ignoring alleged misconduct by Trump. The move escalates a political confrontation between the Democratic governor and the Trump administration, with Newsom positioning himself as a key opponent of the president. The letter calls for equal application of justice and transparency in DOJ investigations.
Just In NewsNewsom Accuses Trump of Political Persecution Amid Federal Investigation
California Governor Gavin Newsom, a potential Democratic presidential candidate, accused the Trump administration of politically motivated persecution in a video message on June 15, 2026. Newsom claimed federal agents contacted his friends and former colleagues and requested documents, alleging President Donald Trump is weaponizing the Department of Justice against him and his wife because of his potential 2028 presidential run and his public criticism of Trump. The exact nature of the investigation remains unclear, and the DOJ has not commented. The Associated Press, citing an insider, reported there is no formal investigation targeting Newsom specifically, though investigations exist involving people in his circle, including his wife, and are described as not politically influenced. The article notes Trump's history of targeting political opponents, such as James Comey and Letitia James, through DOJ investigations.
taz.de - taz.deGavin Newsom Accuses Trump of Using DOJ to Investigate Him for Political Reasons
California Governor Gavin Newsom, a potential Democratic presidential candidate for 2028, accused President Donald Trump of weaponizing the U.S. Department of Justice to investigate him and his wife for political reasons. In a video posted on X, Newsom claimed federal agents had contacted friends and former employees and requested documents. He asserted the investigation expanded because he is considering a presidential run and has criticized Trump. The exact nature of the investigation remains unclear. The AP reported, citing insider knowledge, that no investigation specifically targets Newsom but there are probes into people in his circle, including his wife, allegedly starting last year without political influence. The article notes Trump's history of targeting political opponents like James Comey and Letitia James through DOJ investigations, lending some plausibility to Newsom's claim, though no direct evidence is provided.
taz.de - taz.deNewsom Accuses Trump of Weaponizing DOJ Investigation Against Him and His Wife
Democratic California Governor Gavin Newsom publicly accused President Donald Trump of directing the U.S. Justice Department to investigate him and his wife as a means of targeting a political adversary. Newsom alleged that Trump is using federal law enforcement powers for personal political retribution. This accusation highlights ongoing tensions between the Trump administration and Democratic state leaders, raising concerns about the politicization of federal investigations. The Wall Street Journal reported the claim, underscoring the charged political environment as Trump faces multiple legal and electoral challenges.
WSJ.com: PoliticsGavin Newsom accuses Trump of political probe; wife's taxes may be real focus
California Governor Gavin Newsom has accused former President Donald Trump of launching a politically motivated federal investigation into him, as federal agents have contacted friends, former employees, and organizations linked to Newsom and his wife. The article suggests the probe may actually center on tax issues related to Newsom's wife, Jennifer Siebel Newsom. The investigation comes amid speculation about Newsom's potential 2028 presidential bid. The report, published by Fortune and written by Associated Press journalists Sophie Austin and Alanna Durkin Richer, highlights the escalating political tensions between the two figures and raises questions about the motivations behind the federal inquiry.
Fortune | FORTUNECalifornia Gov. Gavin Newsom accuses President Donald Trump of ordering DOJ to investigate him and his wife
California Governor Gavin Newsom publicly accused President Donald Trump on Monday of directing the Department of Justice to investigate him and his wife, Jennifer Siebel Newsom. In a statement on social media and a video release, Newsom claimed the probe is politically motivated because he is considering running for president. He stated, 'They have not found a crime — they are simply trying to find one.' The governor referenced a reported investigation by the U.S. Attorney's Office in Sacramento, focusing on his wife's tax filings and potential misuse of nonprofit funds. Newsom's former chief of staff recently pleaded guilty to federal charges, but Newsom's office said her conduct predated her employment with him. Newsom compared his situation to other Trump administration targets, including James Comey and Letitia James. The White House referred inquiries to the DOJ, which did not immediately comment.
US Top News and AnalysisGavin Newsom Accuses Trump of Politically Motivated Investigations Over Potential Presidential Run
California Governor Gavin Newsom, a potential Democratic presidential candidate, accused President Donald Trump of ordering politically motivated investigations against him and his family. In a video address and posts on X, Newsom claimed federal officials have contacted family members, friends, and former employees not because a crime was uncovered, but in an attempt to find one. Newsom stated Trump is targeting him because he is considering running for president and has consistently exposed Trump's alleged corruption. Newsom called Trump 'the most corrupt president in American history,' alleging he is 'selling the presidency' and that his personal wealth has increased by $4 billion since returning to office. Newsom demanded Trump keep his wife and family out of what he called a 'personal vendetta.' The U.S. Department of Justice did not respond to requests for comment.
Nachrichten - WELTNewsom says Trump directed DOJ to investigate him and his wife
California Governor Gavin Newsom stated on Monday that President Donald Trump has directed the U.S. Department of Justice to investigate him and his wife, Jennifer Siebel Newsom. This allegation comes after months of intense public and social media feuding between the two political figures. Newsom dismissed the idea that the investigation stems from personal insults or 'mean tweets,' instead asserting that it is politically motivated because he is considering a run for the presidency. The report, sourced from The Hill, highlights the escalating tensions between the Democratic governor and the Republican former president, framing the investigation as a potential precursor to a future electoral contest.
Just In NewsGavin Newsom Accuses Trump of Investigating Him and His Wife Over Potential 2028 Run
California Governor Gavin Newsom accused President Donald Trump of ordering federal investigators to probe him and his wife, Jennifer Siebel Newsom, claiming the investigation is politically motivated due to his potential 2028 presidential campaign. Newsom released a video statement alleging that federal agents have contacted family, friends, and former employees in an attempt to find a crime. A source cited by Semafor confirmed multiple ongoing investigations, including into his wife's taxes and his chief of staff Nathan Barankin, but noted these originated from Sacramento whistleblowers, not the main DOJ. The article highlights Trump's pattern of directing the DOJ to investigate political rivals, including Letitia James, Adam Schiff, and James Comey, all of which failed. It also notes a recent referral of Minnesota Governor Tim Walz for investigation by Vice President JD Vance.
The New RepublicGavin Newsom Accuses Trump of Weaponizing DOJ to Investigate Him and His Wife
California Governor Gavin Newsom publicly accused President Donald Trump on Monday of ordering the Department of Justice to investigate him and his wife, Jennifer Siebel Newsom, claiming it is retaliation for Newsom considering a 2028 presidential run. Newsom released a video statement alleging federal agents have contacted family, friends, and former employees in a search for any crime. A source familiar with the situation confirmed multiple ongoing investigations, including probes into his wife's taxes and his chief of staff Nathan Barankin, though these reportedly originated from Sacramento whistleblowers rather than the main DOJ. The article notes Trump has previously bragged about his 'right' to weaponize the DOJ and has directed investigations against other political enemies like Letitia James, Adam Schiff, and James Comey, all of which failed. The feud escalated a year after Trump threatened to have Newsom arrested over National Guard deployment in Los Angeles.
The New RepublicGavin Newsom Alleges Trump's DOJ Is Investigating Him and His Wife
California Governor Gavin Newsom publicly accused President Donald Trump on Monday of directing the Department of Justice to investigate him and his wife, Jennifer Siebel Newsom. In a video statement, Newsom claimed federal agents have contacted family, friends, and former employees, not because a crime was found, but to find one. He asserted the probe is politically motivated, linked to his potential 2028 presidential run. Newsom described the actions as an abuse of the grand jury process and said his wife is targeted for her advocacy. The article notes Trump has previously threatened to have Newsom arrested and has openly directed the DOJ to investigate other political opponents, including Letitia James, Adam Schiff, and James Comey, though those cases failed. It also mentions Vice President JD Vance recently referred Minnesota Governor Tim Walz to the DOJ for investigation.
The New RepublicGavin Newsom accuses Trump of ordering DOJ investigation into him and his wife
California Governor Gavin Newsom publicly accused President Donald Trump on Monday of directing the Department of Justice to investigate him and his wife. In a post on social media platform X, Newsom stated, 'Today, my wife & I joined Donald Trump's hit list. He has directed his Department of Justice to investigate us.' He further claimed that investigators have not identified any crime and are 'simply trying to find one.' The accusation marks a significant escalation in political tensions between the California governor and the former president. The article, published by CNBC on June 15, 2026, is labeled as breaking news, indicating that further details may emerge. No official confirmation from the White House or DOJ was included in the initial report.
US Top News and AnalysisGavin Newsom Says Trump Justice Department Is Investigating Him
California Governor Gavin Newsom announced on Monday that the Trump administration has launched a criminal investigation into him, alleging that federal agents are 'trying to find' a crime to charge him with. Newsom stated that agents have knocked on doors of friends and former employees and are demanding records, characterizing the probe as political retaliation by President Donald Trump. He claimed the investigation is directly linked to his potential 2028 presidential run and his consistent criticism of Trump. Newsom also suggested the investigation has expanded to target his wife, Jen. He defended his integrity, saying he and his wife have nothing to hide, and positioned himself alongside other Trump critics such as former Fed Chair Jerome Powell and New York Attorney General Letitia James who have faced similar scrutiny. Newsom accused Trump of running a corrupt administration that uses the Justice Department to punish political enemies.
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