California AG Criticizes DOJ Investigation of Newsom

The California Attorney General, Rob Bonta, has supported Governor Gavin Newsom’s allegations against the Trump administration. Newsom believes he is being targeted by the DOJ on orders from former President Donald Trump. This response came following reports that the DOJ probe, which involves Newsom and his wife, originated in California, not from Trump’s administration in Washington, D.C.

Bonta expressed strong doubts about the investigation’s legitimacy. He stated, “This is highly dubious—there’s no trust in it.” He accused Trump of using the DOJ as a tool against political adversaries, suggesting that this is yet another instance of such behavior.

Newsom publicly declared on a platform known as X that he and his wife, Jen Siebel Newsom, are under investigation by the DOJ. He claimed this was an effort by Trump to put them on a “hit list.” The investigation raises concerns about its timing, with speculations that Newsom might be considered a potential presidential candidate for the 2028 elections.

Bonta highlighted Newsom’s status as the governor of California, the most populous and politically influential state. He argued that Newsom’s potential as a future president fits into the broader context of what he sees as Trump’s alleged strategy of targeting political opponents.

Additionally, Bonta accused Trump of ordering Pam Bondi, a former Attorney General, to attack political enemies. He claimed this tactic damages trust and causes doubts about the investigation’s intent.

The DOJ investigation, rumored to focus on Newsom’s personal finances, reportedly began in California based on whistleblower complaints. According to sources, this probe has been ongoing since 2025, managed by the U.S. Attorney’s Office in Sacramento. The Associated Press reported that the decision to initiate the investigation did not come from Washington.

Earlier, a probe launched during President Joe Biden’s tenure led to corruption charges against Dana Williamson, Newsom’s former chief of staff. Williamson admitted to lying about sharing internal information and pleaded guilty. Newsom was not personally implicated in that investigation.

In response to the ongoing scrutiny, Newsom’s office has requested public records from the DOJ. These records could reveal communications mentioning Newsom or his wife during Trump’s second term.