California Governor Gavin Newsom has publicly stated that he and his wife, Jennifer Siebel Newsom, are under investigation by the U.S. Department of Justice (DOJ) at the direction of President Donald Trump.
In a video posted on social media on June 15, 2026, Newsom characterized the probe as a politically motivated effort to target him because he is a potential 2028 presidential candidate and a vocal critic of the president.
Newsom claimed that federal agents have contacted associates of his and his wife, subpoenaed records, and conducted interviews spanning years of personal and professional activity. The governor's office provided a fact sheet to USA TODAY detailing that several people connected to the couple have been approached by federal agents in the past week, with subpoenas issued and interviews conducted.
The investigation appears to focus on payments made to Siebel Newsom's film production company, Girls Club Entertainment, according to the governor's office.
In his nearly five-minute video, Newsom said, "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." He added that Trump "hates that I consistently call him out" and described the president as "the most corrupt President in American history." Newsom also named former FBI Director James Comey, former Federal Reserve Chair Jerome Powell, and Senator Adam Schiff as other Trump targets.
The governor emphasized that the investigation is not about any wrongdoing but rather an attempt to intimidate him. He warned the president to leave his family out of the matter, stating, "You can subpoena my records.
You can investigate me. You can harass me.
Put my name on every and any enemies list you have, but leave my wife and family out of your personal vendetta."
The White House referred inquiries to the Justice Department, which did not respond to requests for comment. Newsom's allegations are the latest escalation in an ongoing feud between the two politicians.
Trump has previously called Newsom "Gavin Newscum" and criticized his dyslexia, suggesting it makes him unfit for the presidency. Newsom has accused Trump of falling asleep during meetings and being inept, calling him "Dozy Don."
Newsom reiterated that he and his wife have nothing to hide and urged the Justice Department to investigate the White House instead. "President, come after me. I am not going anywhere. The country is watching," he said.