California Governor Newsom Claims DOJ Probe is Politically Motivated Amid Reports of Preexisting Investigations

California Governor Gavin Newsom has stated that the Justice Department under President Donald Trump initiated a politically motivated investigation against him. However, multiple reports indicate that some federal investigations began prior to Trump's second term. Newsom argues that the current Justice Department is using these investigations against him as a political weapon, while reports from various news organizations suggest that at least two criminal investigations related to Newsom have been ongoing for about a year, originating from whistleblower complaints in Sacramento. One investigation concerning former Newsom chief of staff Dana Williamson reportedly started during the Biden administration. Newsom's office has sought records through the Freedom of Information Act to understand the origins of the current investigations. Acting Attorney General Todd Blanche has stated that Newsom's claims may not be grounded in fact, although he did not confirm or deny the existence of any investigations. Newsom's office contends that the inquiries have expanded to include scrutiny of his wife and their finances, but it has not been alleged that any payments were unlawful. The Department of Justice, the White House, and Newsom's office did not respond to requests for comment.