Gavin Newsom Claims No Federal Contact Amid Probe into Travel, Donors

California Governor Gavin Newsom stated Wednesday that he has not been contacted by federal investigators regarding probes into his professional dealings, family finances, and travel. Newsom made the remarks at a press conference, asserting he knows "nothing more than you know" about the investigations.

This statement comes three months after the announcement of a federal probe involving the governor and his wife. Newsom previously dismissed the scrutiny as a "political hit job" in a June statement. He reiterated that he stands by his earlier remarks, adding, "They continue to zig and zag."

The investigations reportedly focus on Newsom's international travel funded by wealthy donors, as well as his use of "behested payments" for his wife Jennifer Siebel Newsom's nonprofit. Behested payments are donations made to a public official or their projects at the official's request.

Reports indicate that federal investigators are examining approximately $2.3 million in behested payments made since 2022 to the California Partners Project, Siebel Newsom's nonprofit focused on gender and pay equity. These payments originated from the Federated Indians of Graton Rancheria. State records show that Newsom appointed the tribe's chairman, Greg Sarris, to the University of California Board of Regents about three months after a $500,000 contribution from the tribe to the California Partners Project in March 2023.

Newsom's office has defended his use of behested payments, asserting that decisions are made based on what is best for Californians, not on campaign contributions or special interests. A spokesperson previously stated, "Any suggestion otherwise is not only completely false, but absurd."

Additionally, federal investigators reportedly issued subpoenas this month for six years of communications involving the California State Protocol Foundation. This nonprofit, managed by Newsom's aides, often covers the costs of the governor's travel using private funds. Past donors to the foundation include corporations such as CVS Pharmacy Inc. and Zoox, as well as foundations like the Hewlett Foundation, Sierra Health Foundation, and the Ford Foundation.

The subpoenas are said to request details about the Protocol Foundation's donors and fundraisers, Newsom's international travel and events, and any funds potentially used for his personal and living expenses. Previous reports have indicated that donors to Newsom's political PAC, Campaign for Democracy, or to allied nonprofits, have received gubernatorial appointments shortly after making contributions.