California Governor Gavin Newsom leveled a sharp accusation Monday, claiming President Trump personally directed the Department of Justice to open an investigation into him and his wife, Jennifer Siebel Newsom. The allegation comes after months of escalating public feuds between the two political figures, both online and in speeches.
In a post on X, Newsom wrote: “He isn’t coming after me because of mean tweets, but because I am considering running for President.” He added, “He hates that I consistently call him out. He is simply the most corrupt President in American history. We have nothing to hide.”
According to Newsom, federal agents have interviewed his family, friends, and former employees, and have also requested records from his office. Similar steps were taken regarding his wife, Jennifer. “If they can’t intimidate me, they’ll go after the mother of our children. Donald Trump picked the wrong target. We have nothing to hide,” Newsom said in a video attached to his post.
Newsom framed the investigation as part of a broader pattern of Trump using the Justice Department to target political adversaries. He cited previous probes against former Federal Reserve Chair Jerome Powell, New York Attorney General Letitia James, Senator Adam Schiff, and Minnesota Governor Tim Walz. “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 said, pointing to acting Attorney General Todd Blanche, whom he called Trump’s personal attorney.
The White House declined to comment, referring inquiries to the DOJ, which did not immediately respond. A source told NewsNation that the investigation was not sparked by Trump but by whistleblowers who reported concerns to the DOJ office in Sacramento.
The clash between Trump and Newsom has been brewing for years. Last year, they sparred over California’s wildfire response and immigration enforcement in Los Angeles. Trump has repeatedly called Newsom “grossly incompetent” and endorsed his arrest. Newsom’s accusation adds a new dimension to the ongoing political warfare, as he positions himself as a potential Democratic contender for the presidency in 2028.
“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 said. He also referenced Trump’s recent moves on the international stage, including the Iran deal announcement at the G7, which has drawn skepticism from allies.
Newsom concluded with a personal plea: “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.” The governor’s defiant stance underscores the deepening rift between the Trump administration and one of its most prominent Democratic critics.
