Key facts
- California Governor Gavin Newsom's administration anticipates increased scrutiny from the Department of Justice.
- The administration believes the scrutiny is politically motivated and aligned with Donald Trump's interests.
- Potential areas of focus include the family's finances, Siebel Newsom's work, and household expenditures.
- Questions have been raised by conservatives regarding the family's living expenses and significant real estate transactions.
- Associates believe the anticipated conflict will not deter the Newsoms from future political ambitions.
California Governor Gavin Newsom's inner circle is bracing for increased scrutiny from the Department of Justice, which they believe is politically motivated and aligned with President Donald Trump's interests. Allies suggest that any perceived impropriety or undue promotion of Newsom's spouse, Siebel Newsom, will be thoroughly vetted and amplified by critics. This anticipated federal attention has revived questions, primarily from conservative circles, concerning the family's living expenses and significant real estate transactions. The Newsom administration is reportedly preparing for a deep dive into their household expenditures, including the $288,000 paid for household staff in 2019 and the recent $9.1 million purchase of a home in Marin County. An adviser to Siebel Newsom acknowledged that she is likely to remain 'collateral' in political battles, a factor to consider given their family's involvement in politics. Despite the intensifying conflict, associates believe this will not deter the Newsoms from considering future political ambitions, including a potential White House run, though their immediate focus remains on governing California.