California Governor Gavin Newsom claimed Monday that President Donald Trump has directed the Department of Justice to investigate him and his wife, documentary filmmaker Jennifer Siebel Newsom, calling the move politically motivated and tied to speculation about a future presidential run.
"Today, my wife & I joined Donald Trump's hit list," Newsom wrote on X. "He has directed his Department of Justice to investigate us. They have not found a crime, they are simply trying to find one."
The governor further alleged that Trump is targeting him because "I am considering running for President" and because he has been one of the administration's most outspoken critics.
"We have nothing to hide," Newsom wrote. "Mr. President, come after me. I am not going anywhere. The country is watching."
Today, my wife & I joined Donald Trump’s hit list. He has directed his Department of Justice to investigate us. They have not found a crime - they are simply trying to find one.
— Gavin Newsom (@GavinNewsom) June 15, 2026
He isn't coming after me because of mean tweets, but because I am considering running for President.… pic.twitter.com/tVYk3WUvO8
The Latin Times reached out to the Justice Department for comment, but there wasn't an immediate answer.
Newsom's comments appear to be the latest escalation in a long-running political feud between the California governor and Trump. The two have repeatedly clashed over immigration enforcement, federal intervention in California, election administration, environmental policy and the role of the federal government.
In recent months, Newsom has positioned himself as one of the Democratic Party's most visible national figures. He has launched a political podcast, increased his appearances on national media and delivered high-profile speeches criticizing the Trump administration. Those moves have fueled ongoing speculation that he could seek the Democratic presidential nomination in 2028.
The California governor has also openly accused Trump of undermining democratic institutions and using federal power against political opponents. During a speech last year criticizing the deployment of federal forces during unrest in Los Angeles, Newsom warned that "democracy is under assault before our eyes" and argued that California was being used as a testing ground for broader federal actions.
Is there an active DOJ investigation?
As of Monday afternoon, Newsom did not provide evidence or documentation detailing the specific investigation he referenced, and the Department of Justice had not publicly announced any criminal charges against either Newsom or his wife.
The Trump administration and California officials have, however, been involved in numerous legal and political disputes. The Justice Department has challenged California policies on issues ranging from election administration to congressional redistricting, while Newsom's administration has repeatedly sued the federal government over executive actions.
Jennifer Siebel Newsom has also become increasingly vocal in criticizing Trump. Earlier this year, she accused the president of showing contempt toward women journalists and warned that such behavior could influence public attitudes toward women in positions of authority.
