California Governor Gavin Newsom has asserted that a federal investigation into his associates and finances constitutes a politically motivated "fishing expedition" initiated by President Donald Trump's Justice Department. However, multiple reports citing sources familiar with the matter indicate that key aspects of the federal inquiries predate Trump's return to the White House and originated under the Biden administration.
CalMatters, citing a Justice Department source, reported that at least two criminal investigations involving individuals in Newsom's orbit have been active for approximately one year within the U.S. Attorney's Office for the Eastern District of California. These investigations reportedly stemmed from whistleblower tips and local complaints in Sacramento. According to the outlet, one inquiry involving former Newsom chief of staff Dana Williamson was initiated during the Biden administration. Williamson has since pleaded guilty to corruption charges that did not implicate Newsom.
Similar timelines have been reported by CBS News, Axios, the Financial Times, and The Guardian, with sources indicating that at least one federal inquiry commenced about a year ago and originated from California rather than from Justice Department headquarters in Washington D.C.
Despite this reported chronology, Newsom has maintained that the current Justice Department has broadened or politicized these ongoing investigations in retaliation for his criticism of Trump and his national political visibility. His office has reportedly sought records through the Freedom of Information Act to ascertain who directed the current scope of the investigation.
Acting Attorney General Todd Blanche has publicly pushed back against Newsom's characterization of the probes. While declining to comment on specific ongoing investigations, Blanche stated to reporters that he was "not sure [Newsom's] words are in any way grounded in fact" and that the California governor "would have to address that." Blanche did not confirm or deny the existence of any investigation.
Newsom's office has responded by questioning Blanche's statements on social media and asserting that "Trump goons know that it's not a crime to lie to a reporter." According to CalMatters, Newsom's office contends that federal prosecutors expanded their inquiries after failing to build a case from the Williamson investigation, subsequently broadening their scrutiny to include First Partner Jennifer Siebel Newsom, the couple's finances, and their associates. Investigators have reportedly examined Siebel Newsom's tax filings, nonprofit organizations, and certain behested payments, though the reports did not allege these payments were unlawful. Fox News Digital has previously reported, citing federal sources, that inquiries have been opened involving Jennifer Siebel Newsom, but not directly targeting Governor Newsom himself.