FRESNO, Calif. (KFSN) — In a social media post on Monday, California Governor Gavin Newsom said his family is under investigation by the Justice Department.<\/p>\n
“Anyone who has challenged Donald Trump has ended up on his hit list, and today, I proudly join that list,” Newsom stated on X. The governor characterized the investigation as targeted.<\/p>\n
Sources told ABC News the investigation began in 2025 and centers around the taxes of First Partner Jennifer Siebel Newsom.<\/p>\n
“They’re demanding records. They’re abusing the grand jury process, digging through years and years of random documents.”<\/p>\n
Sources familiar with the matter also told ABC News the investigation is being run by the U.S. Attorney’s Office in California’s Eastern District.<\/p>\n
If charges are brought, a local grand jury could hear the evidence and a Fresno-based federal judge could try the case.<\/p>\n
“Today, my family and I have personally confirmed that justice is for sale,” Newsom said.<\/p>\n
On Capitol Hill Monday, Trump’s former personal attorney and now the president’s pick to lead the Justice Department was asked about the investigation.<\/p>\n
“Is the Justice Department investigating Gavin Newsom?” a reporter asked.<\/p>\n
“I’m not here to make any comments,” Acting Attorney General Todd Blanche said.<\/p>\n
Despite high-profile meetings in 2018 and 2025 about disaster assistance, Newsom and President Donald Trump have criticized each other for years.<\/p>\n
Last June, Trump said at the White House that Newsom’s arrest would be a “great thing.”<\/p>\n
“Gavin likes the publicity, but I think (his arrest) would be a great thing. He’s done a terrible job,” President Trump said.<\/p>\n
Trump coined the nickname “Newscum,” and the governor has repeatedly fired back. Last week, he called the president “Dozy Don.”<\/p>\n
Now, Newsom said he believes the investigation is politically motivated.<\/p>\n
“He’s coming after me because I’m considering running for president, because he hates that I’ve consistently called him out over and over again for his lies and deceit.”<\/p>\n
For news updates, follow Gabe Ferris on Facebook<\/a>, Twitter<\/a> and Instagram.<\/a><\/p>\n Copyright \u00a9 2026 KFSN-TV. All Rights Reserved.<\/p>\n