Gavin Newsom Alleges DOJ Investigating Wife and Staff Due to Trump Opposition
Translated from English, summarized and contextualized by DistantNews.
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- California Governor Gavin Newsom alleges the U.S. Department of Justice is investigating people close to him, including his wife and former staff, due to his political opposition to President Donald Trump.
- Newsom claims federal agents have contacted his family, friends, and ex-employees, suggesting the investigations are politically motivated and aimed at him because he is considering a presidential run in 2028.
- A source familiar with the investigations confirmed ongoing probes for about a year, originating from California, but denied Trump's direct involvement, stating they stemmed from whistleblowers and government sources.
California Governor Gavin Newsom has publicly accused the U.S. Department of Justice of investigating individuals within his circle, including his wife and former staff members. Newsom alleges these investigations are politically motivated, stemming from his opposition to President Donald Trump and his own potential presidential aspirations for 2028.
In recent days, federal agents have knocked on the door of family, friends, and former employees. Not because they found crime, because they're simply trying to find one.
In a video statement, Newsom asserted that federal agents have approached his family, friends, and former employees, framing the actions as an attempt to find fault rather than evidence of crime. He directly accused Trump of targeting him, stating, "One by one anyone who has challenged Donald Trump has ended up on his hit list, and today, I proudly joined that list."
However, a source with knowledge of the investigations confirmed that several probes have been active for approximately a year. These investigations, originating in California and reportedly working through whistleblowers and government sources, are being handled by federal prosecutors in Sacramento. One investigation reportedly concerns the taxes of Newsom's wife, Jennifer Siebel Newsom, while another relates to Newsom's former chief of staff. The source denied any direct involvement by Trump but acknowledged the investigations' origins within the state.
One by one anyone who has challenged Donald Trump has ended up on his hit list, and today, I proudly joined that list.
Newsom, a Democrat, has increasingly positioned himself as a political foil to Trump, often mocking the former president's social media style and engaging in high-profile policy debates. His press team has actively highlighted these contrasts. The governor's national profile has grown significantly, fueling speculation about a potential 2028 presidential bid. Newsom declared, "Donald Trump picked the wrong target. We have nothing to hide."
Donald Trump picked the wrong target. We have nothing to hide.
DistantNews Editorial
Originally published by BBC News in English. Translated, summarized, and contextualized by our editorial team with added local perspective. Read our editorial standards.
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