California Governor Gavin Newsom announced on Monday that the U.S. Department of Justice (DOJ) is conducting an investigation into him and his wife, Jennifer Siebel Newsom.
Speaking at a press conference in Sacramento, Newsom claimed the probe is politically motivated and directly linked to former President Donald Trump. He asserted that the Biden administration's DOJ is being weaponized to target him due to his high-profile opposition to Trump's policies and his role as a leading voice in Democratic politics.
Newsom did not provide specific details about the nature of the investigation, saying only that it involves potential ethics violations related to his wife's business dealings and his own actions as governor. The governor emphasized that neither he nor his wife have been formally charged and that they intend to cooperate fully with investigators.
However, he characterized the inquiry as a "witch hunt" reminiscent of tactics used against political opponents.
Jennifer Siebel Newsom, a documentary filmmaker and advocate, has been a target of conservative attacks in the past, but the couple has maintained their innocence. The announcement comes amid heightened tensions between California's Democratic leadership and the federal government, with Newsom frequently criticizing Trump's immigration policies and environmental rollbacks.
Legal experts note that while the DOJ has broad authority to investigate public officials, such probes are rare without substantial evidence. The Newsom family retains prominent defense attorneys who have already begun reviewing the case.
The investigation is expected to focus on campaign finance and potential conflicts of interest, though no official charges have been filed.
The political fallout could be significant, as Newsom is widely considered a potential future presidential candidate. His accusation against Trump adds a partisan layer to the probe, with Republicans dismissing it as a deflection tactic.
Meanwhile, California Democrats have rallied behind Newsom, accusing the DOJ of overreach.
As the investigation unfolds, Newsom vowed to continue his duties as governor, saying, "I will not be distracted by baseless attacks. My focus remains on serving the people of California." The case is being handled by the DOJ's Public Integrity Section, which oversees allegations of corruption by public officials.