Jennifer Siebel Newsom, wife of California Governor Gavin Newsom, described the federal investigation into the couple as a "fishing expedition" during her first extended public comments on the matter. The probe, revealed by the governor in June, has targeted the couple since an unspecified date, with Siebel Newsom suggesting it is politically motivated.
During an interview on MS Now with anchor Stephanie Ruhle, Siebel Newsom was asked if the investigation began under former Democratic President Joe Biden. She paused before responding, "I don't know the details." She then attempted to frame the timeline, stating, "I do know that Trump was coming after my husband when... back when Biden was president and Biden was running for the presidency."
Siebel Newsom, a feminist filmmaker, suggested that former President Donald Trump's administration has "always targeted" her husband, whom she described as Trump's "most outspoken critic." She asserted that the conservative "media empire" seeks to "silence" Governor Newsom's potential presidential aspirations in 2028 by targeting them. "This is typical Trump fashion: go after your enemies," she added.
She also drew parallels between the Justice Department's investigation and the themes of "patriarchy" attempting to undermine strong women, which she has explored in her documentaries.
Sources close to the Newsoms have indicated that the investigation focuses on Siebel Newsom's nonprofit projects, which fund her documentary work. In March, reports revealed that her California Partners Project has received millions in "behested payments" facilitated by her husband.
Governor Newsom previously stated in a video address that federal agents had contacted family members, friends, and former employees. Prior to her Friday interview, Siebel Newsom had only issued a brief statement and had previously dodged questions about the probe.
Acting Attorney General Todd Blanche, in response to the Newsoms' claims of political motivation, stated on July 1, "He can choose to say whatever he thinks helps him — it doesn't make it true."