California Governor Gavin Newsom has engaged defense attorney Abbe Lowell as federal investigators look into matters involving him and his wife, Jennifer Siebel Newsom. The decision to hire Lowell, known for representing high-profile clients, was reported by Politico, citing anonymous sources. Newsom's spokesperson declined to comment, and Lowell's office did not respond to inquiries.
Lowell's involvement comes as the Justice Department's inquiry into Newsom intensifies. He has previously represented notable figures such as Hunter Biden and New York Attorney General Letitia James. Newsom has characterized the investigation as politically motivated, suggesting it is part of a pattern of behavior by President Donald Trump targeting rivals as he considers a 2028 presidential run.
Acting Attorney General Todd Blanche has dismissed Newsom's claims of political retaliation, stating that they lack factual basis. The investigation reportedly began in California and is examining the governor's former chief of staff, who pleaded guilty to federal corruption charges, as well as Siebel Newsom's financial matters. No charges have been announced in the ongoing investigation.
Newsom's administration has described the federal inquiry as an extensive fishing expedition, with investigators subpoenaing or interviewing multiple individuals connected to the couple. Following the announcement of the investigation, Newsom linked it to his national political ambitions, asserting that Trump is targeting him due to his potential presidential candidacy.
Political strategist Matt Klink noted that Newsom's framing of the investigation could keep him in the public eye as a candidate for the 2028 election, suggesting that claiming political victimhood can be advantageous for Democratic candidates. Lauren Horwood, a public information officer for the U.S. Attorney’s Office for the Eastern District of California, stated that the office does not confirm or deny the existence of investigations as a matter of policy.