Governor Gavin Newsom announced on June 15, 2026, that the U.S. Department of Justice is investigating him and his wife, Jennifer Siebel Newsom, alleging the probe is political retaliation by President Donald Trump. In a video statement, Newsom said federal agents have been questioning family members, friends, and former staffers, demanding documents and using the grand jury process without grounds.
Donald Trump is not coming after me for my mean tweets... because I’m thinking about running for president. He hates it that I have held him accountable... One by one they landed on his hit list — and today I am proudly on this list. We have nothing to hide.Gavin Newsom, Governor of California
Multiple federal investigations have been underway for about a year, originating from whistleblowers and local law enforcement in California, not Washington, according to people familiar with the matter. The U.S. attorney for the Eastern District of California, Trump appointee Eric Grant, is leading the inquiries, though his office has declined to confirm or deny the investigations.
Two-pronged investigation
One probe focuses on tax matters concerning Jennifer Siebel Newsom. The other examines the governor’s circle and his former chief of staff, Dana Williamson, who pleaded guilty in May 2026 to embezzling campaign funds and lying to federal agents about her work for video game company Activision Blizzard. Newsom’s office stated his prior dealings with Activision are not part of the current inquiry.
Additionally, the California Partners Project, a nonprofit run by Jennifer Siebel Newsom, faces scrutiny over 'behested payments' — unlimited donations made to charitable organizations at the request of an elected official. No allegations have been made against the organization or Siebel Newsom, but the financial ties between political influence, donors, and charitable giving are under the microscope.
There are obviously no limits to what Donald Trump does to get his way or challenge those who stand in his way. This is not presidential behavior. The governor and I will continue to speak truth to power, because the American people deserve so much better.Jennifer Siebel Newsom, First Partner of California
Political retaliation or legitimate inquiry?
Newsom, a leading Democratic critic of the Trump administration, has filed numerous lawsuits against the federal government and championed California’s redistricting reform as a counter to Trump’s gerrymandering tactics. He joins a growing list of Trump’s political opponents who have faced federal investigations, including former FBI Director James Comey and Minnesota Governor Tim Walz.
The announcement has already impacted Newsom’s political standing. Betting markets saw his odds of winning the Democratic presidential nomination rise from 21.7% to 24% on Kalshi, and his chance of an overall victory climb from 14.4% to 16% on Polymarket. Democratic strategist Eddie Vale called the investigation 'fuel for fundraising and media attention.'
Legal experts remain cautious. Laurie Levenson, a former federal prosecutor and professor at Loyola Law School, said it is difficult to assess the probe without knowing the specific charges, but acknowledged Newsom has reason to question the DOJ’s motives. 'We’re seeing things in grand jury processes that we didn’t see in prior Justice Departments,' she said.
The investigation casts a shadow over the emerging 2028 presidential landscape, raising fresh questions about the politicization of the Justice Department under Trump. With key primaries still more than a year away, the inquiry may become a defining element of Newsom’s political identity — whether as a victim of overreach or a subject of genuine legal jeopardy.