Individuals closely connected to Governor Gavin Newsom, including friends and past employees, have recently been approached by federal agents. Newsom claims this initiative by the Department of Justice, under President Donald Trump, is driven by political motives.
In a video posted on Monday, Newsom expressed his belief that the DOJ is “on a hunt” to uncover some form of wrongdoing involving him and his spouse, Jennifer Siebel Newsom.
“They are demanding records,” asserted the Democratic governor, criticizing what he described as an abuse of the grand jury system. “They are combing through years of miscellaneous documents. This isn’t just about my critical tweets. Trump is targeting me because I might run for president.”
The investigation has reportedly led federal agents to question family acquaintances, donors, former staff, and associates. They are also requesting documents and probing into Newsom’s financial dealings, entities linked to his wife, and other personal matters.
Previously, agents investigated claims that Newsom’s administration may have had a hand in altering a state lawsuit against video game giant Activision Blizzard. However, according to Newsom’s office, that inquiry did not progress.
Newsom said he “proudly” joins the list of political enemies the president has ordered to be investigated, including Federal Reserve Chair Jerome Powell, former FBI Director James Comey and U.S. Sen. Adam Schiff, D-California.
“After calling for my arrest last year, Donald Trump directed his Department of Justice to investigate me,” the governor said in the video.
The White House directed comments on the topic to the DOJ, which did not immediately respond to a request by Nexstar’s KTXL for comment.
Newsom also said the alleged investigation also involves his wife, who he described as a public servant “who has done nothing wrong.” He called on Trump to “leave my wife and family out of your personal vendetta.”
After criticizing the Trump administration for what he described as lawlessness and corruption, California’s governor said he welcomes the president’s attacks.
“Mr. President, come after me,” he said. “I am not going anywhere. And the country is watching.”