NEWSOM CLAIMS TRUMP DIRECTED DOJ INVESTIGATION INTO HIM AND WIFE

Gavin Newsom, California's Democratic Governor, stated on Monday that Donald Trump directed the US Department of Justice to investigate him and his wife Jennifer Siebel Newsom. Newsom made the claim in a video statement, alleging that federal agents had recently contacted family friends and former employees seeking records and "abusing the grand jury process". The governor characterised the inquiry as politically motivated, stating that Trump was targeting him because he was considering a presidential run and had publicly criticised the president.

Multiple investigations into Newsom have been underway for roughly a year, according to a source familiar with the matter. These inquiries encompass an investigation into his wife's tax matters and one related to his former chief of staff Dana Williamson, who recently pleaded guilty to fraud in federal court. The investigations originated in California rather than Washington and are being conducted by the US attorney's office for the eastern district of California, which includes Sacramento. The Justice Department and FBI declined to comment.

Newsom and Trump have a history of conflict, with California having sued the administration more than 60 times during Trump's second term, including over military deployment to Los Angeles. In his statement, Newsom drew parallels to investigations the administration has conducted into other political figures including James Comey, Letitia James and Tim Walz. Newsom said he would accept investigations into his own records but objected to the inquiry extending to his wife.