California Gov. Gavin Newsom claimed on Monday that he and his wife, Jennifer Siebel Newsom, were targeted by a Justice Department investigation directed by President Donald Trump. Newsom alleged the investigation was politically motivated, stating he was placed on a political "hit list" not because of "mean tweets, but because I am considering running for president." The California governor defended his wife as a public servant who has "done nothing wrong" and challenged the administration to leave his family out of a "personal vendetta."

Federal agents contact associates

In a video statement, Newsom detailed that federal agents had contacted family friends and former employees to demand records and "random documents." He characterized the actions as an attempt to "find a crime" rather than responding to evidence of wrongdoing. According to an NBC News report cited in the draft, aides indicated that more than a dozen individuals were contacted by FBI and IRS agents. The report suggested that investigators had subpoenaed business records or credit card statements, with some questions concerning financial transactions.

Political reaction and scrutiny

Minnesota Gov. Tim Walz responded to the allegations on social media, criticizing the Trump administration for what he described as the political use of the Justice Department. "The Justice Department is not a tool for the President to investigate his political opponents," Walz wrote, adding that Newsom was "in good company" regarding such scrutiny. The Justice Department, IRS, and FBI did not immediately respond to requests for comment regarding the specific claims made by Newsom.

Broader context of investigations

The article notes that the Justice Department has previously investigated several critics of the president. Cases against former FBI Director James Comey and New York Attorney General Letitia James were dismissed after judicial findings of prosecutorial impropriety. Additionally, the department has pursued a criminal investigation into former CIA Director John Brennan. Newsom, who has raised his national profile through clashes with the administration, is widely viewed as a potential contender in the 2028 presidential race.