Soccer Football - FIFA World Cup 2026 - Group D - United States v Paraguay - Los Angeles Stadium, Inglewood, California, U.S. - June 12, 2026 California Governor Gavin Newsom and Los Angeles Mayor Karen Bass in the stands during the national anthems before the match REUTERS/Mario Anzuoni
California Gov. Gavin Newsom claimed Monday that the Trump administration has opened a criminal investigation into him and his wife, characterizing it as politically motivated retaliation.
According to The New York Times, multiple federal investigations are underway. These are said to be examining the governor and his wife's finances, initiated by California-based federal law enforcement officials rather than Trump appointees in Washington.
Federal agents have contacted several people linked to their family and allegedly subpoenaed banking records, though Newsom's office has not seen written documentation.
Newsom, a vocal critic of President Donald Trump, has floated as a 2028 presidential contender. In a video statement published Monday, Newsom said, "He's coming after me because I am considering running for President."
He characterized Acting Attorney General Todd Blanche — Trump's personal attorney — as weaponizing the Justice Department against political enemies, citing investigations into Jerome Powell, James Comey, Tish James, Adam Schiff, Tim Walz, and E. Jean Carroll.
Newsom concluded, "One by one, anyone who has challenged Donald Trump has ended up on his hit list. And today, I proudly join that list."
Watch the video below.