SACRAMENTO, Calif. (Diya TV) — California Gov. Gavin Newsom said Monday that he and his wife are under federal investigation by the U.S. Department of Justice and accused President Donald Trump of using federal law enforcement for political retaliation.
Newsom made the claim in a social media post and a video message. He said federal agents have contacted people close to him, including family, friends, and former employees. He described the effort as an attempt to find wrongdoing rather than respond to an existing criminal case. The Justice Department has not confirmed any investigation, and the claims have not been independently verified.
Newsom said the investigation involves both him and his wife, Jennifer Siebel Newsom. He said federal investigators have visited or questioned associates and have requested records and documents.
He said the actions show a political motive rather than a legitimate criminal inquiry. Newsom said he has done nothing wrong and said he and his family have nothing to hide. He also said he believes the inquiry is part of a broader effort to target political opponents of President Trump. The governor did not provide evidence for his claims. He based his statements on what he described as recent federal activity involving people in his orbit.
Newsom directly accused Trump of directing the Justice Department to investigate him. He said the move reflects retaliation for his public criticism of the president and his national political profile. He suggested the investigation is meant to intimidate him and other political opponents. Newsom has long been seen as a possible future presidential contender, which has fueled political tension between him and Trump.
Trump has not issued a direct response to the latest allegations. However, he has repeatedly criticized Newsom in public remarks and campaign speeches. The two have frequently exchanged insults and political attacks.
The conflict between Newsom and Trump has grown over several years. The disputes have included immigration enforcement, wildfire management in California, and the deployment of the National Guard during periods of unrest.
Trump has often attacked Newsom’s leadership in California. He has used harsh language in public comments. Newsom has responded by accusing Trump of overreach and political interference in state affairs. The rivalry has become one of the most visible state-versus-federal political conflicts in the country. Both leaders have used social media and public appearances to escalate their disagreements.
Newsom pointed to other federal investigations involving Trump critics, including former FBI Director James Comey, New York Attorney General Letitia James, and Sen. Adam Schiff of California. He said these cases suggest a broader pattern of political retaliation through federal law enforcement.
The Justice Department has seen internal shifts under the Trump administration. Acting officials have said it is appropriate for the president to direct investigations, a position that has drawn strong criticism from Democrats and legal experts. Newsom also referenced past efforts to pursue legal action against political opponents following public disputes. Those cases have added to the ongoing debate over the independence of federal prosecutors and the Justice Department.
The Justice Department has not confirmed whether it has opened any investigation into Newsom or his wife. It also has not commented on the scope, timing, or basis of any potential inquiry.
It remains unclear which U.S. attorney’s office would handle such a case if it exists. Federal prosecutors in California have handled politically sensitive matters in recent months, but there is no confirmed link to Newsom’s claims. Legal experts say high-profile allegations often surface before official details become public. They caution that early statements from political figures do not always reflect confirmed investigative actions.
The dispute adds new strain to an already tense relationship between California’s governor and the Trump administration. Newsom said he will continue to serve as governor and speak out against what he sees as abuse of federal power. The situation is likely to remain politically charged as both Newsom and Trump continue to shape national political debate ahead of future elections.
