Newsom accuses Trump of directing politically motivated investigation

California Governor Gavin Newsom has accused President Donald Trump of weaponizing the Justice Department for a politically motivated investigation into him and his wife. Newsom asserted in a video statement that Trump is targeting him because he is considering a presidential run, not over policy disagreements.

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Donald Trump isn’t just coming after me because of my mean tweets. He’s coming after me because I am considering running for President.

Newsom detailed that federal agents have been approaching his family members, friends, and former employees, demanding records and scrutinizing old documents. "Not because they found a crime. Because they are simply trying to find one," he stated. He directly addressed Trump, saying, "You 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 Justice Department and the White House had not immediately responded to requests for comment. Newsom and Trump have a history of public disagreements on various issues, including climate change and immigration enforcement. Trump has previously suggested he would support Newsom's arrest over alleged obstruction of immigration enforcement.

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You 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.

This accusation follows a pattern where Trump's Justice Department has pursued criminal charges against perceived political opponents. Reuters reported in November 2025 that at least 470 individuals, organizations, and institutions had been targeted for retribution since the beginning of Trump's second term.

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Not because they found a crime. Because they are simply trying to find one.