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Updated on: June 15, 2026 / 2:59 PM EDT
/ CBS News
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Washington — California Gov. Gavin Newsom said Monday that he and his wife are under investigation by the Justice Department.
In a video posted to X, Newsom said federal agents have sought to speak to his family, friends and former employees, demanded records and dug through years of documents. He accused the Justice Department under President Trump of "abusing the grand jury process."
"Donald Trump isn't just coming after me because of my mean tweets," Newsom said. "He's coming after me because I'm considering running for president, because he hates that I consistently called him out over and over again for his lies and deceit. Donald Trump is simply the most corrupt president in American history."
Newsom cited other perceived political enemies of Mr. Trump, including New York Attorney General Letitia James, former FBI Director James Comey and former Federal Reserve Chairman Jerome Powell, who have been investigated by the Justice Department. The governor said he has joined the president's "hit list."
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.
He isn't coming after me because of mean tweets, but because I am considering running for President.… pic.twitter.com/tVYk3WUvO8
— Gavin Newsom (@GavinNewsom) June 15, 2026
"After calling for my arrest last year, Donald Trump directed his Department of Justice to investigate me, and just in the last week I've learned that his campaign has reached my own home. To get me, he's coming after my wife," the California governor said.
It's unclear what Newsom and his wife, Jennifer, are under investigation for, and the governor did not provide details about what information or documents investigators have sought.
"To Donald Trump, who I know is watching, because he watches everything, I have a message for you," he said. "You can subpoena my records, you can investigate me, you can harass me, put my name on every and any enemies list you have, but leave my wife and family out of your personal vendetta."
Newsom is a frequent and vocal critic of Mr. Trump's, and in his social media video, the governor accused the president of corruption and seeking to profit off the presidency.
Mr. Trump, in turn, often attacks the California governor, calling him "dumb" and referring to him by the derogatory nickname "Newscum."
An investigation into Newsom would be the latest by the Justice Department targeting public officials who have opposed the president.
The former interim U.S. attorney in eastern Virginia sought and secured indictments against James and Comey last year, but a judge dismissed the charges after finding the prosecutor, Lindsey Halligan, was unlawfully appointed. Comey was indicted a second time in North Carolina over a now-deleted photo he shared to Instagram last year that depicted seashells arranged to say "86 47." He has denied wrongdoing.
Federal prosecutors also investigated Powell, then the Fed chairman, and renovations of the central bank's Washington, D.C., headquarters earlier this year. Mr. Trump had often lambasted Powell over interest rate decisions, and suggested that the renovation project could be grounds to fire him. But the probe was dropped in April after a key senator vowed to block the confirmation of Mr. Trump's pick to succeed Powell as Fed chair as long as the investigation remained active.
Read the full article at CBS News (US) →📄Source document: Talking Points from Newsom's Team→8 reports
AxiosIndependentCenter5 days agoCalifornia Gov. Gavin Newsom's team has shared internal talking points with congressional Democrats suggesting that the Justice Department's investigation into Newsom is part of a broader effort by President Trump to retaliate against political opponents. Newsom claims the investigation was ordered by Trump to hinder his potential presidential bid. The DOJ has not commented on the claim, though a source indicated the investigation stemmed from whistleblowers and local sources rather than direct orders from Trump or DOJ leadership.
Bias read (Center): The article presents both Newsom's claims and counterpoints from a source close to the investigation without overtly favoring either side. It includes direct quotes from Newsom and mentions the lack of official confirmation from the DOJ, maintaining a balanced tone.
CBS News (US)IndependentCenter5 days agoCalifornia Governor Gavin Newsom stated that the Justice Department is investigating him and his wife. The article mentions that the DOJ has not provided any comment on the matter.
Bias read (Center): The article presents a straightforward statement from Newsom without additional commentary, framing, or emphasis that would indicate a particular ideological slant. It does not include quotes or perspectives that suggest bias toward either side of the political spectrum.
The Washington TimesIndependentRight5 days agoCalifornia Governor Gavin Newsom stated that the Justice Department is investigating him and his wife, and he claims this is an act of political retribution by President Trump. Newsom mentioned that federal agents have been contacting individuals connected to him, suggesting they are searching for any potential wrongdoing. The investigation reportedly began last year and relates to his wife's tax filings. A report indicated the probe originated in Sacramento based on whistleblower information and was not directly ordered by Trump. Additionally, there were reports that Newsom used a campaign-fn
Bias read (Right): The article presents Newsom's claim that the DOJ investigation is politically motivated by Trump without providing balanced counterpoints or evidence to support this assertion. It emphasizes Newsom's accusations while referencing external reports that suggest the investigation was not directly tied
The Washington TimesIndependentLeft5 days ago California Gov. Gavin Newsom says Trump's Justice Department is investigating him and his wifeCalifornia Governor Gavin Newsom claimed that President Donald Trump has ordered the Justice Department to investigate him and his wife. Newsom stated that federal agents have been contacting his associates and requesting documents, suggesting an effort to find wrongdoing rather than uncovering a crime. He attributed the actions to Trump's desire to target him politically, especially since Newsom is considering a presidential run. A source confirmed that multiple federal investigations involving individuals connected to Newsom are ongoing, including one related to his wife's tax matters.
Bias read (Left): The article presents Newsom's claims without counter-narratives or independent verification, using language that frames Trump's actions as politically motivated and corrupt. It emphasizes Newsom's perspective and references his criticisms of Trump, which aligns with a left-leaning interpretation ofU
AxiosIndependentLeft6 days ago Newsom says he's under investigation by the Justice DepartmentCalifornia Governor Gavin Newsom stated that the Department of Justice has initiated an investigation against him. Newsom claims the investigation is being conducted at the direction of President Donald Trump due to his potential presidential candidacy. He alleges that federal agents are searching for evidence of wrongdoing without finding any actual crimes, and that the DOJ is misusing the grand jury process. Newsom criticizes Trump as the 'most corrupt President in American history' and accuses him of using government institutions to target political adversaries.
Bias read (Left): The article presents Newsom's allegations against Trump with strong negative language, such as calling Trump 'the most corrupt President in American history' and accusing him of 'weaponizing' the DOJ. The framing emphasizes Trump's alleged misconduct and supports Newsom's narrative without providing
Official sources cited
- government Newsom's Statement
CBS News (US)IndependentLeft6 days ago Newsom says Justice Department is investigating him and his wifeCalifornia Governor Gavin Newsom stated that he and his wife are being investigated by the Justice Department. He claimed that the investigation is politically motivated, accusing the Trump administration of abusing the grand jury process. Newsom suggested that the investigation is linked to his potential presidential run and his criticism of Trump.
Bias read (Left): The article presents Newsom's claims without counterpoints or independent verification, using direct quotes that frame the Justice Department's actions as politically motivated. The narrative emphasizes Trump's alleged corruption and positions Newsom as a victim of partisan targeting, which aligns a
NBC NewsIndependentLeft6 days agoCalifornia Governor Gavin Newsom stated that the U.S. Department of Justice is investigating him and his wife, claiming the investigation is politically motivated and part of an effort by President Donald Trump to target him. Newsom said agents have been knocking on the doors of family friends and former employees, demanding records and 'random documents.' He denied any wrongdoing and said he and his wife have 'nothing to hide.' NBC News has contacted the Justice Department and the White House for comment.
Bias read (Left): The article presents Newsom's claims without counter-narratives or direct rebuttals from the Justice Department or White House. The framing emphasizes Newsom's assertion that the investigation is politically motivated due to his criticism of Trump and potential presidential bid, which aligns with a左
Official sources cited
- government California Governor Gavin Newsom
- government U.S. Department of Justice
- government White House
NewsweekIndependentLeft6 days agoCalifornia Governor Gavin Newsom stated that President Donald Trump has ordered the Justice Department to investigate him, claiming it is politically motivated and part of an effort to target political opponents. Newsom mentioned that federal agents have been visiting the homes of his family members, friends, and former employees to obtain documents and records. He suggested the investigation is linked to his potential run for president in 2028 and accused the DOJ of abusing the grand jury process and pursuing conspiracy theories.
Bias read (Left): The article presents Newsom's claims without counterpoints or independent verification, using language such as 'politically motivated,' 'targeting political opponents,' and 'abusing the grand jury process' which align with left-leaning framing. The narrative emphasizes the potential political nature
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