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๐Ÿ‡ฆ๐Ÿ‡บ Australia /Elections & Politics

California governor accuses Trump of launching politically motivated investigation

From ABC Australia · () English

Summarized and contextualized by DistantNews.

At a glance

News Named sources Under investigation
  • California Governor Gavin Newsom accused President Donald Trump of initiating politically motivated investigations against him and his wife.
  • Newsom stated that federal agents have been seeking records from his associates and family members.
  • He believes the investigations are retaliation for his criticism of Trump and his potential presidential aspirations.

California Governor Gavin Newsom has leveled accusations against U.S. President Donald Trump, alleging that Trump has directed the Justice Department to conduct politically motivated investigations targeting Newsom and his wife. Newsom claims federal agents have been actively seeking records from his family members and former employees. In a post on X, Newsom asserted, "They have not found a crime, they are simply trying to find one." He views these actions as retaliation for his consistent criticism of Trump's policies and alleged falsehoods, and potentially due to his consideration of a presidential run. "Donald Trump isn't just coming after me because of my mean tweets," Newsom stated, referencing his use of social media to mock the president. "He's coming after me because I'm considering running for president, because he hates that I've consistently called him out over and over again for his lies and deceit." A source familiar with the matter confirmed that multiple federal investigations are underway concerning individuals associated with Newsom, including one related to his wife, Jennifer Siebel Newsom. These investigations reportedly began last year following whistleblower complaints about the Californian government. However, the source indicated that political leadership in Washington was not involved in the decision to initiate these probes. Newsom declared, "One by one, anyone who has challenged Donald Trump has ended up on his hit list, and today I proudly join that list." He defiantly added, "You [Mr Trump] can subpoena my records. You can investigate me. You can harass me. Put my name on every and any enemy's list you have, but leave my wife and family out of your personal vendetta." The article notes that Trump has frequently targeted California, a state dominated by Democrats, during his second term. This has included withholding aid for wildfire recovery and challenging state policies, such as those supporting transgender student-athletes. California has responded by filing numerous lawsuits against the federal government.

They have not found a crime, they are simply trying to find one.

โ€” Gavin NewsomCommenting on the nature of the investigations initiated by the Justice Department.
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Originally published by ABC Australia. Summarized and contextualized by our editorial team with added local perspective. Read our editorial standards.