Federal investigation into Newsom reportedly involves nonprofit that funds his travel
Federal investigators are reportedly examining Gov. Gavin Newsom’s international travel and the California State Protocol Foundation, which helps fund it, according to subpoenas reviewed by the San Francisco Standard.
The subpoenas, issued earlier this month, reportedly request six years of records from the foundation, testimony, and communications involving Newsom, as well as current and former aides and advisors. While the subpoenas do not cite any specific alleged crime, their contents suggest a potential investigation into improper gifts or influence peddling, the Standard reported.
The California State Protocol Foundation, established during Gov. Gray Davis’ administration in 2002, raises money for gubernatorial travel and other expenses not covered by taxpayers. State records show Newsom has secured over $7.5 million in donations from businesses and nonprofits for the foundation since 2019.
Newsom’s office responded to the investigation in a statement, saying, “Governor Newsom went after the king — and as he warned in June, the tyrant is now coming after everyone around him. This is what Donald Trump does to his enemies: investigate first, hunt for a crime that doesn’t exist second.
“This is a baseless MAGA conspiracy theory. There is no crime here. There is just a sick man in the White House weaponizing the federal government to settle personal scores.
“It’s deeply upsetting to see innocent staff, friends, and family have their names dragged through the mud just because they’re associated with the Governor.”
Sources close to the investigation have denied political motivations, claiming it stems from tips received by the U.S. Attorney’s Office in Sacramento.
Chris Micheli, a longtime California lobbyist and adjunct professor at McGeorge School of Law, commented on the situation, saying, “It’s appropriate for the criminal justice system to play out and if there are sufficient allegations that are brought forth, those obviously should be investigated.”
“The issue here is that the current Trump administration has truly weaponized the U.S. Department of Justice to a level we haven’t seen at all,” Micheli said. “I think that fact that the targeting the federal administration has done to blue states gives a lot of credibility to the governor’s claim that this is a fishing expedition. Ultimately, we have to let the criminal justice system play out. We know the governor has hired a high-profile attorney, and that is appropriate to do in this instance.”
The subpoenas reportedly indicate the investigation is part of a criminal case pending in the Eastern District of California, which is also handling the case against Newsom’s former chief of staff, Dana Williamson.
Williamson is expected to be sentenced for three federal crimes, including stolen campaign funds, tax fraud, and lying to investigators. Her sentencing, initially scheduled for this month, has been delayed due to an unplanned surgery, with federal prosecutors proposing October 8 as the new date.
It remains unclear whether the investigation into Newsom is related to Williamson’s case. The U.S. Attorney’s Office would not comment on that, the subpoenas or the existence of any investigation when reached Monday.
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