California Gov. Gavin Newsom said the Department of Justice is investigating him and his wife, Jennifer Siebel Newsom, calling the probes politically motivated and accusing President Donald Trump of using federal law enforcement and agencies to target potential political rivals.
In a video posted to X, Newsom said federal investigators have sought interviews with members of his family, friends and former employees, while also requesting years of records and documents.
"Donald Trump isn't just coming after me because of my mean tweets," Newsom said. "He's coming after me because I'm considering running for president, because he hates that I consistently called him out over and over again for his lies and deceit."
Today, my wife & I joined Donald Trump’s hit list. He has directed his Department of Justice to investigate us. They have not found a crime - they are simply trying to find one.
— Gavin Newsom (@GavinNewsom) June 15, 2026
He isn't coming after me because of mean tweets, but because I am considering running for President.… pic.twitter.com/tVYk3WUvO8
Newsom accused Trump of weaponizing the Justice Department for political purposes, alleging that the president uses federal agencies "to reward cronies and to try to jail his opponents."
The Democratic governor, one of Trump's fiercest rivals, pointed to investigations involving several prominent Trump critics, including New York Attorney General Letitia James, former FBI Director James Comey and former Federal Reserve Chair Jerome Powell, arguing that those who challenge Trump often become targets of scrutiny.
Newsom's office announced Monday that it had filed a public records request seeking Justice Department communications that reference either Newsom or Siebel Newsom during Trump's second term, including correspondence involving senior DOJ officials.
"They are not investigating a crime they've found," Newsom said in the video. "They're trying to find one."
According to CBS News, a source familiar with the matter said multiple federal investigations involving Newsom are being handled by the U.S. Attorney's Office in Sacramento although none are believed to be opened regarding Newsom.
Two sources with knowledge of the probes told CBS News that one investigation involves Siebel Newsom's tax filings. Another relates to former Newsom chief of staff Dana Williamson, who was indicted last year on federal charges alleging she conspired to transfer funds from a dormant campaign account tied to former Health and Human Services Secretary Xavier Becerra.
An adviser to the governor told CBS News that federal agents have contacted individuals and organizations connected to Newsom and his wife, issued subpoenas for records and conducted interviews involving groups associated with Newsom and his wife. The adviser also said the scope of the investigations expanded after Acting Attorney General Todd Blanche assumed leadership of the Justice Department.
At the end of this video, Newsom challenged Trump to come after him, saying he has nothing to hide and has no intention to run.
"Mr. President, come after me. I am not going anywhere. The country is watching," Newsom said.
