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California Gov. Gavin Newsom accused the Trump administration on Monday of targeting him and his wife through federal investigations, framing the probes as political retaliation tied to his potential presidential ambitions.
In remarks posted to social media, Newsom claimed President Donald Trump was pursuing investigations into individuals connected to him because he is viewed as a possible contender for the White House in 2028.
“Donald Trump isn’t just coming after me because of my mean tweets,” Newsom said. “He’s coming after me because I am considering running for president.”
According to Newsom’s office, federal investigators have contacted former employees and organizations linked to the governor and California First Partner Jennifer Siebel Newsom. Officials said agents have issued subpoenas seeking documents and conducted interviews spanning several years. Neither Newsom nor his wife has reportedly received a subpoena.
The Justice Department declined to comment on the matter. However, a person familiar with the investigations said federal authorities have been examining individuals within Newsom’s political orbit for roughly a year.
Investigations Focus on Newsom Associates
According to reports, the inquiries originate from the U.S. Attorney’s Office for California’s Eastern District and stem from whistleblower complaints. The investigations reportedly focus on tax-related issues involving Jennifer Siebel Newsom and questions surrounding current and former aides connected to the governor’s office.
The scrutiny follows a separate federal corruption investigation that recently ensnared Newsom’s former chief of staff. That probe resulted in a guilty plea involving allegations of illegally diverting campaign funds and making false statements related to confidential information concerning California’s negotiations with video game publisher Activision.
Newsom has not been accused of wrongdoing in that case.
The governor’s office alleges federal officials broadened their focus after the original investigation into the Activision matter failed to produce evidence implicating the governor.
Questions Surround Nonprofit Donations
Newsom’s office also suggested investigators are examining payments connected to Jennifer Siebel Newsom’s film production company and her nonprofit organization, the California Partners Project.
The organization, which promotes gender equity initiatives, has received millions of dollars through California’s “behested payments” process, a legal mechanism allowing public officials to encourage private donations to nonprofit organizations and charitable causes.
Campaign finance disclosures show the California Partners Project has received approximately $5.1 million in behested contributions since 2020 from donors including philanthropic foundations, Native American tribes and financial institutions. Some donations were routed through the Central Valley Community Foundation.
No allegations of wrongdoing have been publicly filed against either Jennifer Siebel Newsom or the nonprofit.
Trump-Newsom Rivalry Intensifies
The latest dispute adds another chapter to the increasingly bitter relationship between Newsom and Trump.
The two have clashed repeatedly over immigration enforcement, California policies and federal authority. Their feud intensified last year after Trump deployed the California National Guard to support immigration operations in Los Angeles, a move strongly opposed by the governor.
Trump has previously suggested Newsom should face legal consequences over his handling of state policies, while Newsom has accused the president of undermining democratic institutions.
Political observers widely view Newsom as a likely contender for the Democratic presidential nomination in 2028, though he has not formally announced any plans to run.
In Monday’s remarks, Newsom portrayed the investigations as part of a broader effort by Trump to target political opponents.
“Mr. President, come after me. I am not going anywhere,” Newsom said. “And the country is watching.”
Broader Political Implications
The allegations come as Trump and his administration face ongoing criticism from Democrats over what opponents describe as the politicization of federal law enforcement agencies. Republicans, meanwhile, argue that investigations should proceed wherever evidence warrants scrutiny, regardless of political status.
Any federal inquiry involving a sitting governor and potential presidential candidate is likely to draw heightened attention as both parties begin positioning themselves for the 2028 election cycle.
For now, the scope, timeline and ultimate direction of the reported investigations remain unclear.
