From Dispatch Room
California Governor Gavin Newsom has claimed that the U.S. Department of Justice is investigating him and members of his family, accusing President Donald Trump of using federal institutions to target political opponents.
In a video posted on social media on Monday, Newsom alleged that federal authorities had expanded their scrutiny to include his wife, Jennifer Siebel Newsom, describing the development as part of a political vendetta.
“If he can’t intimidate me, he’ll go after the mother of our children,” Newsom said, referring to President Trump. “Donald Trump picked the wrong target. We have nothing to hide.”
The Democratic governor, who is widely viewed as a potential contender for the 2028 presidential election, said he would not be intimidated by federal investigations and accused the Trump administration of abusing its powers against political adversaries.
However, a person familiar with the matter told CNN that there is currently no direct federal investigation targeting Newsom himself.
The FBI has not publicly commented on Newsom’s claims, while the Department of Justice declined to issue a statement.
According to Newsom’s office, federal agents have contacted individuals and organisations connected to both the governor and his wife, issued subpoenas for records and conducted interviews related to activities spanning several years.
The controversy comes against the backdrop of an earlier federal investigation involving Dana Williamson, Newsom’s former chief of staff. Williamson was indicted in November 2025 on allegations connected to a scheme involving campaign funds linked to former U.S. Health and Human Services Secretary Xavier Becerra.
Williamson later pleaded guilty to three charges. Newsom’s office has maintained that the allegations stem from actions that occurred before Williamson joined his administration.
Newsom’s team also claimed that federal investigators previously offered Williamson leniency in exchange for information about the governor, but that she had no incriminating information to provide.
The development has intensified political tensions in California, where Becerra is currently seeking to succeed Newsom as governor. Becerra is expected to face Republican candidate Steve Hilton, who has received support from President Trump.
Newsom’s allegations also come amid wider scrutiny of Justice Department investigations involving several prominent critics of the Trump administration.
In recent months, legal actions involving former FBI Director James Comey, New York Attorney General Letitia James, former CIA Director John Brennan and writer E. Jean Carroll have drawn national attention and sparked debate about the relationship between politics and law enforcement.
In his video statement, Newsom accused Trump of weaponising government institutions and vowed to continue opposing what he described as unlawful conduct by the administration.
“To Donald Trump, this country does not belong to you. It does not belong to your cronies,” Newsom said. “We’re going to fight your lawlessness.”
The claims are likely to fuel further political debate as speculation grows over Newsom’s national ambitions and the future direction of U.S. politics ahead of the 2028 presidential election.
— Newspot Nigeria
