California Governor Gavin Newsom claimed on Monday that President Donald Trump has directed the U.S. Department of Justice to investigate both him and his wife, Jennifer Siebel Newsom, describing the move as a politically motivated effort tied to his potential presidential ambitions.
In a statement posted on social media, Newsom wrote: "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."
The California governor did not provide details about the nature of the alleged investigation and, as of Monday afternoon, the Justice Department had not publicly announced any criminal probe involving either Newsom or his wife.
Newsom framed the reported investigation as retaliation for his ongoing criticism of Trump and his administration.
"He isn't coming after me because of mean tweets, but because I am considering running for President," Newsom wrote. Although he has not formally announced a campaign, speculation about Newsom's future ambitions has persisted for years.
The governor concluded his message with a direct challenge to Trump, declaring: "We have nothing to hide. Mr. President, come after me. I am not going anywhere. The country is watching."
The allegation marks the latest chapter in a long-running conflict between Newsom and Trump, which has intensified during Trump's second term in office. The California governor has emerged as one of the administration's most outspoken Democratic critics, frequently challenging White House policies. After Trump was elected in 2024, Newsom held a special meeting to plan on protecting California's liberal policies from Trump.
The two men have repeatedly clashed in court as well. California has filed dozens of lawsuits against the Trump administration over federal actions affecting the state, with Newsom recently highlighting what he said were 37 legal challenges filed by California against the federal government during Trump's current term.
Their rivalry has also extended to redistricting and election issues. In November 2025, the Justice Department intervened in litigation challenging California's congressional map, accusing the state of engaging in unlawful racial gerrymandering. The lawsuit directly targeted policies championed by Newsom and California Democrats, though it was not a criminal matter.
While Newsom's latest accusation suggests a new federal investigation, no public court filings or Justice Department announcements have yet surfaced to corroborate the governor's claim.
The Justice Department has pursued investigations involving figures connected to Newsom in the past. Federal prosecutors last year charged former Newsom chief of staff Dana Williamson in a public corruption case unrelated to the governor himself. Prosecutors specifically stated that Newsom was not accused of wrongdoing in that matter.
