California Governor Gavin Newsom says the Justice Department, at President Trump’s direction, is targeting him by investigating people close to him, including his wife. Reported inquiries include a probe of Jennifer Siebel Newsom's California Partners Project, an expanded review tied to a $54 million Activision Blizzard settlement, and a widening investigation into former chief of staff Dana Williamson, who pleaded guilty in May. Newsom’s office has filed a public records request to the DOJ and says federal agents have contacted associates; the DOJ has not publicly confirmed any formal probe into the governor.
Newsom Says Trump-Directed DOJ Is Politically Targeting Him and His Circle
Gov. Gavin Newsom (D, Calif.) attends the 94th Annual Meeting of the United States Conference of Mayors in Long Beach, Calif., on June 4, 2026. —Myraneli Fabian—Anadolu/Getty Images
California Governor Gavin Newsom said on Monday that he has become the latest target of Justice Department scrutiny he attributes to President Donald Trump. In a video posted to social media, the Democratic governor — a frequent Trump critic and potential 2028 presidential contender — accused the DOJ of pursuing probes into people close to him, including his wife, for political reasons aimed at undermining his national ambitions.
"Donald Trump isn’t just coming after me because of my mean tweets," Newsom said. "He’s coming after me because I am considering running for President."
Newsom's office says federal agents have contacted family friends, former staffers and outside organizations connected to the governor and his wife, Jennifer Siebel Newsom. On Monday the governor’s office filed a public records request with the Justice Department seeking documents that mention Newsom or his wife during Trump’s second term, including communications with senior DOJ officials.
What Is Being Investigated
Multiple news outlets report that there is no formal DOJ investigation into Newsom himself. Instead, reported inquiries focus on associates and prior staff:
- Probe Into Jennifer Siebel Newsom: According to Politico, an inquiry that began last year in California's Eastern District — prompted by a whistleblower tip — centers on the California Partners Project, a gender-equity advocacy organization co-founded by Siebel Newsom. The group reportedly received just over $5 million in behested payments since 2020. Under California law, behested payments solicited by public officials must meet disclosure rules and remain subject to gift and conflict-of-interest regulations.
- Investigation Related to Former Chief of Staff: A separate probe concerns Dana Williamson, Newsom’s former chief of staff. Williamson was indicted last year and pleaded guilty in May to conspiracy to commit bank and wire fraud, filing a false tax return, and making false statements to federal investigators in connection with an alleged scheme to divert $225,000 from a dormant campaign account tied to former U.S. Health Secretary Xavier Becerra.
- Expanded Review of Activision Blizzard Settlement: Politico reported that the White House recently broadened a federal review of a $54 million California settlement with Activision Blizzard related to workplace-discrimination claims. Newsom’s office says it cooperated with the initial review, which has not produced charges.
Federal Agencies, Sources, And Official Response
The Justice Department has not publicly detailed any inquiries related to Newsom or his circle. Acting Attorney General Todd Blanche declined to comment before a scheduled Capitol Hill meeting. TIME and other outlets have sought comment from DOJ.
Newsom’s office told reporters the Internal Revenue Service and the FBI have been involved in some of the inquiries, citing a Politico report. Multiple outlets also reported that sources familiar with the matter say Washington officials did not initiate the probe into Siebel Newsom and that, as of now, no investigation has been opened into the governor himself.
Political Context
Newsom framed the scrutiny as politically motivated retaliation for his criticism of Trump and his potential presidential ambitions. He has repeatedly clashed with the Trump administration during the president’s second term — over immigration enforcement in California, wildfire recovery aid, environmental and emissions rules, and other policy fights. Trump has publicly urged probes of his opponents and even called for Newsom’s arrest in the past.
Several prominent Trump critics have faced DOJ scrutiny during his second term, including inquiries involving former Federal Reserve Chair Jerome Powell and Sen. Adam Schiff; neither has resulted in charges to date. Other legal actions involving figures such as New York Attorney General Letitia James and former FBI Director James Comey have also drawn intense public attention and, in some cases, court setbacks.
Newsom concluded his remarks by saying he welcomes the scrutiny and will not be intimidated: "One by one, anyone who has challenged Donald Trump has ended up on his hit list, and today I proudly join that list," he said. "Mr. President, come after me. I am not going anywhere. And the country is watching."
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