California Governor Gavin Newsom released a video on X, revealing that the U.S. Department of Justice has initiated an investigation involving him and his wife. Newsom suggested that former President Donald Trump is targeting him due to his potential presidential aspirations.
In the nearly five-minute clip, Newsom did not elaborate on the specifics of the alleged inquiry but mentioned that his wife, Jennifer Siebel Newsom, is a focal point.
“Recently, federal agents have approached my family, friends, and former staff,” Newsom stated. “Their aim isn’t to address a discovered crime, but to unearth one.”
Newsom further alleged, “They’re demanding records, misusing the grand jury process, and scouring through countless documents.” He asserted that Trump’s motivation goes beyond mere social media spats, and is tied to his potential presidential run and his repeated public criticisms of Trump.
He emphasized that both he and his wife have nothing to conceal, while accusing Trump of engaging in corrupt practices.
“If they can’t intimidate me, they’ll go after the mother of our children. Donald Trump picked the wrong target. We have nothing to hide. His political operatives can take every record and read every page, but they’ll be looking in the wrong place. Because if they really want to find corruption, look no further than 1600 Pennsylvania Avenue,” Newsom said.
Newsom later added, “To Donald Trump, who I know is watching because he watches everything, I have a message for you. You can subpoena my records, you can investigate me, you could harass me, put my name on every and any enemies list you have, but leave my wife and family out of your personal vendetta.”
Trump has previously called for Newsom’s arrest, namely during the deployment of federal soldiers into Los Angeles last year. At the time, Border Czar Tom Homan refused to rule out arresting state and local officials if they obstruct immigration operations, prompting Newsom to tell Homan to come and arrest him.
“Gavin likes the publicity, but I think it would be a great thing,” Trump said in June, reacting to the comments. Trump later said that the crime Newsom committed was “running for governor because he’s done such a bad job.”
The White House deferred to the Department of Justice for comment. ABC News has reached out to the Department of Justice.
Sources familiar with the matter tell ABC News that the investigation is examining Jennifer Seibel Newsom’s taxes.
In a press call with reporters on Monday, the governor’s office said it believes subpoenas have been issued to financial institutions to get records of the state’s First Lady.
Jennifer Seibel Newsom told KGO-TV in the Bay Area, “There are clearly no boundaries to what Donald Trump will do to get his way or to challenge those who get in his way. This is not presidential behavior, and the Governor and I will continue to speak truth to power because the American people deserve so much more.”
ABC News reached out to the Justice Department, but its spokesperson declined to comment. Acting Attorney General and President Trump’s former personal attorney, Todd Blanche, was also asked about the potential investigation on Monday, but he said he was not commenting.
Many Democrats commented on the investigation. California Senator Adam Schiff posted on X, “The President’s abuse of the Justice Department continues, with new targets every day. The Governor won’t be silenced. Nor will my Senate colleagues. Nor will I. In the face of vindictive and baseless investigations, we are defiant and unbowed.”
Long Beach Congressman Robert Garcia posted, “Donald Trump is the most corrupt person to ever serve as President. His former personal lawyer now runs the DOJ.”
ABC News’ Oren Oppenheim, Alexander Mallin, and Nicholas Kerr contributed to this report.
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