California Governor Gavin Newsom went public Monday with allegations that the Department of Justice has launched an investigation into him, framing the probe as retaliation for his potential presidential ambitions and vocal criticism of Donald Trump.
Newsom disclosed the investigation through a video statement, claiming that federal agents have recently contacted family friends and former employees. He said investigators are "demanding records" and "abusing the grand jury process" by sifting through years of documents without having identified an underlying crime.
"They are simply trying to find one," Newsom said of the alleged investigation. "Not because they found a crime."
The California governor drew a direct line from his political opposition to Trump to the federal scrutiny. "He's coming after me because I am considering running for President. Because he hates that I've consistently called him out, over and over again, for his lies and deceit," Newsom stated.
Newsom's accusation marks the latest instance of a Trump political opponent claiming the Justice Department has been weaponized against them. His allegations center on Acting Attorney General Todd Blanche, whom Newsom characterized as Trump's "personal attorney" now running the department. Blanche previously represented Trump in multiple cases, including matters involving classified documents retention, 2020 election interference, and the New York hush money case.
The governor drew parallels to other cases he said demonstrate a pattern. He compared the current investigation to federal actions against former FBI Director James Comey, New York Attorney General Letitia James, and Senator Adam Schiff. The cases against James and Comey resulted in no successful prosecution, with a court dismissing one of Comey's cases entirely.
"Donald Trump is simply the most corrupt President in American history," Newsom declared. "He has turned the levers of government into his own personal power ministries to reward cronies and to try to jail his opponents."
The White House declined to comment, referring inquiries to the Justice Department. The department did not respond to requests for comment on Newsom's allegations.
Newsom has emerged as a major player in speculation surrounding the 2028 presidential race, frequently mentioned alongside former Vice President Kamala Harris as a potential candidate. He released a memoir titled "Young Man in a Hurry: A Memoir of Discovery" in February, a move widely interpreted as preparation for a campaign launch. The governor has also gained significant social media traction for posts mimicking Trump's distinctive online style.
When asked about Trump's attacks on him, including the nickname "New-scum," Newsom dismissed the criticism as routine. "I'm used to Trump attacking me 24/7," he said.
Author James Rodriguez: "Newsom's decision to make this public reveals just how calculated modern political defense has become, turning allegations of federal overreach into campaign messaging before any charges materialize."
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