California Governor Gavin Newsom on Monday accused President Donald Trump of placing him on a political 'hit list' and directing federal investigators to conduct a 'fishing expedition' in search of a crime that could be used to indict him. In a fiery video statement, the Democratic governor asserted that the president was targeting him not because of his 'mean tweets,' but because Newsom is considering a run for the presidency in 2028.
Newsom claimed that in recent days, federal agents have contacted friends, former employees, business associates, donors, and organizations linked to him and his wife, Jennifer Siebel Newsom. 'Not because they found a crime, but because they simply are trying to find one,' he said.
The governor alleged that the Justice Department is abusing the grand jury process by demanding records and 'digging through years and years of random documents.' Newsom's office stated that neither he nor his wife have received subpoenas yet, but he 'looks forward' to receiving them. The accusations also touched on other potential targets, including Representative Adam Schiff and Minnesota Governor Tim Walz.
The White House referred questions to the Department of Justice, which did not immediately respond. Newsom's comments came without providing concrete evidence that the president had orchestrated such a probe, but he defiantly stated, 'You can subpoena my records.
You can investigate me. You can harass me.
Put my name on any and every enemies list that you have. But leave my wife and family out of your personal vendetta!' This story is developing, and CalMatters, a nonpartisan nonprofit news organization, originally reported it.