Washington: California Governor Gavin Newsom has accused US President Donald Trump of misusing the Department of Justice (DOJ) to launch what he described as a politically driven investigation into him and his wife, Jennifer Siebel Newsom.
According to Reuters and several US media reports, Newsom claimed federal authorities have recently contacted his family members, friends and former staff while seeking documents and records connected to him and his inner circle.
Newsom Says Investigation Is Politically Motivated
In a video statement shared on X, Newsom alleged that Trump was attempting to retaliate against him because of speculation surrounding a possible presidential bid in 2028.
“Donald Trump isn’t just coming after me because of my mean tweets,” Newsom said in the video, adding that the president was targeting him because he is considering a run for the White House.
Gov. @GavinNewsom: To Donald Trump, who I know is watching because he watches everything, I have a message for you. 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… pic.twitter.com/fm0SwVQyvj
— Headquarters (@HQNewsNow) June 15, 2026
The California governor also claimed investigators had been going through old documents and seeking records from people connected to him, despite there being no evidence of wrongdoing.
Newsom said the actions amounted to an effort to “find a crime” rather than investigate one.
Jennifer Siebel Newsom Also Drawn Into Probe
Newsom further alleged that the investigation had expanded to include his wife, filmmaker Jennifer Siebel Newsom. He criticised what he described as attempts to involve his family in the matter.
Reports by AP and Reuters said investigators were examining issues connected to Newsom’s wider political and professional network, including matters linked to organisations associated with his wife.
A source familiar with the matter told Reuters that several investigations connected to the governor had been underway in California since 2025 and did not originate in Washington.
DOJ and White House Yet to Respond
The Justice Department and the White House did not immediately respond to requests for comment following Newsom’s allegations, according to Reuters and other US publications.
Newsom’s office has reportedly filed a Freedom of Information Act request seeking records related to what it described as a politically motivated probe by Trump’s DOJ.
Political Rivalry Between Trump and Newsom Intensifies
The latest dispute marks another chapter in the long-running political clash between Trump and Newsom, who have repeatedly sparred over immigration, climate policy and federal intervention in California.
Newsom, who is term-limited as governor, has increasingly raised his national political profile and is widely seen as a potential Democratic contender for the 2028 presidential election.
In his remarks, Newsom insisted he would not be intimidated by the investigation and challenged Trump directly, saying he would continue speaking out despite the pressure.
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