Gavin Newsom alleges Trump-ordered DOJ probe into him and his wife

California Governor Gavin Newsom said the U.S. Department of Justice has opened an investigation into him and his wife, Jennifer Siebel Newsom, and accused President Donald Trump of ordering the probe as political retaliation because Newsom is considering a 2028 presidential run. In a video posted to X, Newsom claimed federal agents 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," and described the investigation as part of a Trump "hit list." He called Trump "the most corrupt president in American history" and warned that the president is targeting his family.

Newsom said the inquiry focuses on his wife's nonprofit activities and tax matters, as well as a separate federal case involving his former chief of staff, Dana Williamson, who recently pleaded guilty to bank fraud and related offenses. A source familiar with the matter told the New York Times that the investigations were initiated by the Eastern District of California based on anonymous whistleblower tips, not by the Justice Department leadership in Washington.

The Justice Department has not confirmed a specific investigation of Newsom, and no charges have been filed against him or his wife. Other Democrats, including former Vice President Kamala Harris, have echoed Newsom's concerns about political use of the DOJ. The story is developing as Newsom positions himself for a potential presidential bid.