Key facts
- California Governor Gavin Newsom alleges President Donald Trump directed the Justice Department to investigate him and his wife.
- Newsom claims the investigations are politically motivated, linked to his potential presidential run and criticism of Trump.
- Federal agents have reportedly interviewed Newsom's family, friends, and former employees.
- Newsom's office is demanding records from the DOJ concerning the investigation.
- Senator Adam Schiff called the reported DOJ investigation into Newsom 'deliberate' and an 'abuse of the Justice Department.'
- Vice President Kamala Harris stated Trump targets political enemies and is unsurprised by the investigation.
California Governor Gavin Newsom has publicly stated that President Donald Trump directed the Department of Justice (DOJ) to investigate him and his wife, Jennifer Siebel Newsom. Newsom alleges these investigations are politically motivated, stemming from his potential presidential aspirations and his consistent criticism of Trump. He claims federal agents have interviewed his family, friends, and former employees, and that the probe into his wife's taxes was initiated by whistleblower complaints.
Newsom's office is now demanding records from the DOJ concerning the investigation. Senator Adam Schiff has echoed Newsom's concerns, calling the reported investigation 'deliberate' and an 'abuse of the Justice Department.' Schiff suggested that such actions were unthinkable when he worked with the DOJ, implying a shift in how the department might be used.
Newsom's former chief of staff, Dana Williamson, has pleaded guilty to federal charges in a separate probe. Newsom has stated that if intimidation efforts against him fail, Trump will target his family, but asserts they have nothing to hide. Vice President Kamala Harris stated that Trump is targeting political enemies and expressed no surprise at the DOJ investigating Newsom.