Newsom demands DOJ probe records, accuses Trump administration of political retaliation
WASHINGTON, DC: California Gov Gavin Newsom's office has formally requested records related to a Department of Justice investigation involving the governor and his wife, Jennifer Siebel Newsom, alleging the probe is politically motivated.
In a letter sent on Monday to acting Attorney General Todd Blanche's office, Newsom's legal affairs secretary, David Sapp, sought access to a wide range of documents, including memoranda, emails, text messages and Signal communications connected to the investigation.
Governor claims Trump directed probe
Earlier in the day, Newsom alleged that the Justice Department had launched an investigation into him and his wife at the direction of President Donald Trump.
The Democratic governor said federal agents had contacted family friends and former employees while searching for evidence of wrongdoing.
"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."
Newsom further suggested the probe was linked to speculation that he could seek the presidency in the future.
Request targets top DOJ records
Sapp's request specifically seeks communications mentioning Newsom or his wife between January 20, 2025, and the present.
The request covers correspondence involving senior Justice Department officials, including acting Attorney General Todd Blanche, former Attorney General Pam Bondi and former acting Deputy Attorney General Emil Bove.
Newsom's office has asked the DOJ to respond by July 6 and provide the requested records electronically.
Governor decries 'fishing expedition' probe
In a separate post on X, Newsom accused the Trump administration of conducting a baseless investigation.
"My office is demanding the Trump Administration release any and all records on the Trump DOJ's politically motivated, baseless fishing expedition," he wrote.
He added that Americans deserve to know who authorized the investigation and the extent of the inquiry.
According to CalMatters, at least two criminal investigations involving matters connected to Newsom have been underway in California's Eastern District for more than a year.
The inquiries reportedly stem from whistleblower complaints involving Siebel Newsom's taxes and a separate investigation into Dana Williamson, Newsom's former chief of staff.
Williamson pleaded guilty in a corruption case last year after a DOJ investigation that began during the Biden administration.
Despite the scrutiny, Newsom insisted neither he nor his wife had engaged in wrongdoing. "We have nothing to hide," Newsom said, adding, "Donald Trump picked the wrong target."
