Newsom DOJ investigation claim alleges President Trump directed federal investigators to target the California governor and his wife

California Governor Gavin Newsom has accused U.S. President Donald Trump of directing the Department of Justice to investigate him and his wife, Jennifer Siebel Newsom, describing the move as a politically motivated attempt to target a potential future presidential rival.

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In a statement posted on X, Newsom claimed that he and his wife had joined what he described as Trump’s “hit list,” alleging that federal authorities were searching for wrongdoing despite having found no evidence of criminal conduct.

“Today, my wife & I joined Donald Trump’s hit list. He has directed his Department of Justice to investigate us. They have not found a crime, they are simply trying to find one,” Newsom wrote.

The California governor further alleged that the investigation was linked to speculation that he could seek the presidency in the future, arguing that his criticism of Trump had made him a political target.

Newsom, a prominent Democratic figure widely viewed as a potential contender in the 2028 presidential race, said federal agents had sought records and contacted people within his personal and professional circles.

He accused investigators of misusing legal processes in an effort to uncover evidence against him.

The allegations come amid reports that federal prosecutors have examined matters involving individuals connected to Newsom, including inquiries relating to his wife’s financial affairs and a former senior aide.

However, public reports indicate that the Department of Justice has not formally confirmed an investigation targeting Newsom personally.

Newsom also criticised the president directly, describing Trump as “the most corrupt President in American history” and insisting that neither he nor his wife had anything to hide.

The White House and the Department of Justice had not publicly responded to Newsom’s accusations at the time of reporting, while several media organisations noted that federal authorities have declined to comment on the alleged investigation.

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The dispute marks the latest chapter in the long-running political rivalry between Newsom and Trump, who have repeatedly clashed over immigration policy, federal authority, California governance, and national politics.