Newsom Says Trump Directed DOJ to Investigate Him and Wife
Newsom says Trump has directed DOJ – California Governor Gavin Newsom (D) asserted on Monday that President Donald Trump had ordered the Department of Justice (DOJ) to launch an inquiry into both himself and his spouse, Jennifer. The claim comes amid a prolonged period of public and social media clashes between the two leaders, which Newsom described as deliberate and politically driven.
Political Motivation Behind the Investigation
In a post on social platform X, Newsom emphasized that the DOJ’s focus on him was not merely due to past disagreements but because of his potential bid for the presidency. “He isn’t coming after me because of mean tweets, but because I am considering running for President,” he wrote, signaling a broader strategy by Trump to target political rivals.
“He hates that I consistently call him out. He is simply the most corrupt President in American history. We have nothing to hide,” Newsom added, highlighting his belief in the legitimacy of the investigation.
Newsom further stated that the DOJ’s actions were part of a pattern targeting individuals who challenge Trump’s administration. He drew parallels to ongoing investigations against former Federal Reserve Chair Jerome Powell, New York Attorney General Letitia James, Senator Adam Schiff (D-Calif.), Minnesota Governor Tim Walz (D), and others, framing them as part of a coordinated effort to undermine opponents.
Scope of the DOJ Inquiry
According to Newsom, federal agents have already begun questioning members of his family, friends, and former employees, while also requesting extensive records from his office. The same method has been applied to his wife, Jennifer, as part of the broader probe. “If they can’t intimidate me, they’ll go after the mother of our children,” he said in a video clip shared on X, suggesting the investigation was a calculated move to pressure him.
“His political operatives can take every record and read every page. But they’ll be looking in the wrong place. Because if they really want to find corruption, look no further than 1600 Pennsylvania Avenue,” Newsom continued, pointing to Trump’s administration as the source of systemic issues.
The governor accused Trump of weaponizing the DOJ to silence dissent, citing the appointment of his personal attorney, Todd Blanche, as acting head of the department. “Donald Trump is simply the most corrupt president in American history. He’s turned the levers of government into his own personal power ministries to reward cronies and to try to jail his opponents,” Newsom stated, underscoring his view of the investigation as an extension of Trump’s political vendetta.
Historical Context of the Feud
The tension between Newsom and Trump has roots in earlier disputes over California’s management of wildfires and immigration policies in Los Angeles. Last year, Trump publicly criticized Newsom, calling him “grossly incompetent” after the governor’s administration faced scrutiny for its response to the state’s annual fire season and for its approach to border enforcement.
“The president endorsed the arrest of Newsom, whom he has repeatedly described as ‘grossly incompetent,’” the article noted, reflecting the acrimonious relationship between the two figures.
Newsom’s campaign for the presidency has further intensified the rivalry, with Trump allegedly using the DOJ as a tool to discredit him. The governor’s remarks suggest that the investigation is not just about past actions but also about potential future political moves, positioning himself as a target of Trump’s aggressive tactics.
Whistleblowers and the Investigation’s Origins
A source close to the investigation revealed that Trump did not initiate the probe independently. Instead, concerns were raised by whistleblowers within the DOJ’s Sacramento office, who reported discrepancies in Newsom’s conduct and that of his staff. The inquiry into Jennifer Newsom specifically centered on her tax records, while the governor’s case was linked to the actions of his past and present employees, according to the insider.
“A source familiar with the investigation said Trump didn’t spark the inquiry, but whistleblowers reported concerns to the DOJ office in Sacramento,” the article stated, offering a different perspective on the investigation’s origins.
The governor’s office confirmed that the DOJ had requested documents and interviewed key individuals, but Newsom defended the process, insisting it was necessary to uncover corruption. “We have nothing to hide,” he reiterated, framing the probe as a means to hold Trump accountable for his own alleged misconduct.
Newsom’s Defiant Stance
In a later message, Newsom expressed confidence in his ability to withstand the scrutiny, while appealing for the DOJ to leave his family unscathed. “You can harass me. Put my name on every and any enemies list you have. But leave my wife and family out of your personal vendetta,” he wrote, highlighting the emotional toll of the investigation.
“Ask Jerome Powell. Sent them after James Comey, Tish James, Adam Schiff. He sent them after Tim Walz. And a woman that a jury found Donald Trump had sexually abused. One by one, anyone who has challenged Donald Trump has ended up on his hit list. And today, I proudly join that list,” Newsom added, emphasizing the targeted nature of the DOJ’s actions.
Newsom’s comments reflect a growing narrative that Trump’s administration is engaged in a systematic effort to eliminate opposition. By linking the current inquiry to previous investigations, he positioned himself as part of a larger movement against Trump’s leadership. The governor’s wife, Jennifer, has also been included in the probe, raising questions about the extent of the investigation and its impact on their personal lives.
White House and DOJ Response
When The Hill asked for comment on the matter, the White House directed the inquiry to the DOJ, which has not yet provided a formal response. This delay has fueled speculation about the political nature of the investigation and whether it is part of a broader strategy to pressure Newsom during his campaign for the presidency.
“The White House referred The Hill’s request for comment to the DOJ, which did not immediately respond to an email inquiry,” the article noted, underscoring the lack of clarity surrounding the probe’s purpose and scope.
Newsom’s allegations of political motivation have sparked debate about the DOJ’s independence and its role in partisan conflicts. Critics argue that the department’s focus on high-profile figures like Newsom may reflect a shift toward using legal tools as a means of political warfare. Meanwhile, supporters of Trump maintain that the investigation is a necessary step to root out corruption and hold officials accountable for their actions.
The ongoing scrutiny of Newsom and his wife highlights the deepening divide between the two political leaders and the potential for the DOJ to become a battleground for ideological battles. As the investigation progresses, it may serve as a case study in how presidential power is leveraged to target opponents in the run-up to an election.
With the White House and DOJ yet to confirm details, the situation remains under intense public examination. Newsom’s defiance and the accusations of political bias suggest that the probe could have far-reaching implications for the upcoming presidential race and the perception of justice within the federal government.
