Newsom Accuses DOJ of Targeting His Circle Amid Trump’s Shadow

Tue Jun 16 2026 07:12:02 GMT+0000 (Coordinated Universal Time)

California Gov. Gavin Newsom claims DOJ probes his wife and former staff, framing it as political persecution tied to his 2028 presidential ambitions.

California Governor Gavin Newsom opened a video in Sacramento warning the Justice Department is investigating his wife, Jennifer Siebel Newsom, and former chief of staff Dana Williamson. He said federal agents were "enquiring" for records and abusing the grand‑jury process, claiming the probe was a political hit list following his speculation about a 2028 run. A source confirmed several investigations had been underway for about a year, though the exact scope remains unclear. The move follows a series of DOJ actions against prominent Trump critics in recent years, underscoring a growing national trend of legal pressure on political challengers.

Newsom Accuses DOJ of Targeting His Circle Amid Trump’s Shadow

California Governor Gavin Newsom opened a video in Sacramento this Monday, alleging the U.S. Justice Department is probing people close to him. He said federal agents have knocked on the doors of his family, friends and former employees, claiming they are “not because they found crime, but simply trying to find one.”

Newsom framed the investigation as a political attack triggered by his moderation on Trump’s criticisms and his rumored 2028 presidential bid. “Donald Trump picked the wrong target,” he noted, adding that “we have nothing to hide.”

According to a confidential source, the investigations—which ran for nearly a year—originated in California through whistle‑blowers and other government channels. One probe involves his wife’s taxes, while another concerns his former chief of staff, Dana Williamson, who earlier pleaded guilty to a campaign‑finance fraud scheme unrelated to Newsom.

Newsom’s claims come amid a pattern of DOJ probes against high‑profile Trump critics. The agency has targeted former FBI Director James Comey twice, New York AG Letitia James, and former Fed Chair Jerome Powell, among others. The White House and DOJ declined to comment on the situation.

County‑level prosecutors in Sacramento are handling the investigations and have reportedly used subpoenas to request records, a move that Newsom claims violates grand‑jury privilege. He argues that the DOJ’s actions amount to a political hit list, echoing a broader concern that the department is increasingly used as a tool against opponents of Trump.