California Governor Gavin Newsom, along with his family and close friends, is currently facing a federal investigation. Interestingly, despite Newsom’s statements suggesting otherwise, it was the Biden administration that initiated this inquiry, not former President Donald Trump.
In a lengthy video, Newsom alleged that the U.S. Department of Justice (DOJ) probe into him, his wife Jennifer Siebel Newsom, and other associates was a politically driven task led by Trump. He mentioned, “Recently, federal agents have visited the homes of family friends and former colleagues. Not because they discovered a crime, but in search of one. They are demanding documents, misusing the grand jury process, and sifting through countless unrelated papers. Trump isn’t targeting me solely because of my tweets; it’s also because I’m thinking about a presidential run.”
However, he appears to have overlooked a critical detail: the investigations actually began back in 2025 under Biden’s administration.
The DOJ investigations arose from whistleblower reports sent to the U.S. Attorney’s Office in the Eastern District of California in 2025, prior to Trump’s return to office. Reports indicate that these complaints originated from individuals within the California government, as noted by various sources.
The main focus of the investigations involves Jennifer Siebel Newsom’s personal taxes and the finances of associated nonprofits, including the California Partners Project and its connection to The Representation Project. Investigators are assessing payments made to these organizations from those doing business with California.
In California, elected officials, including Newsom, can request donations be made to a charity or nonprofit, but these are distinct from personal gifts and campaign contributions. While such requests must be reported, the regulation surrounding them is less strict. Newsom has facilitated millions of dollars to the California Partners Project, co-founded by his wife. This raises potential conflict issues, as donors might seek favors from the state.
While Siebel Newsom does not receive a direct salary from the California Partners Project, she is involved with The Representation Project, which has compensated her significantly. Tax filings reveal that The Representation Project paid her and her film company, Girls Club Entertainment LLC, over $3.7 million, including around $150,000 annually to her for her contributions to the organization.
Investigators are reportedly examining whether nonprofit funds were misused for personal gain, the correlation between donors, and the accuracy of reported income.
Additionally, another investigation concerns Newsom’s former chief of staff, Dana Williamson, who pleaded guilty to federal offenses in May. This case predates the inquiry involving Siebel Newsom and also started under the Biden administration.
In late 2025, federal prosecutors charged Williamson with bank fraud, wire fraud, and submitting false tax returns. She’s accused of being involved in diverting approximately $225,000 from a dormant campaign fund related to ex-U.S. Health and Human Services Secretary Xavier Becerra for unauthorized use.
Williamson admitted to conspiracy charges related to bank and wire fraud, filing a false tax return, and lying to federal agents. The investigation has expanded to encompass other individuals within Newsom’s circle, though neither Gavin Newsom nor Jennifer Siebel Newsom has been charged at this point.
Contrary to Newsom’s framing, this appears to be a genuine use of federal investigative authority, triggered by whistleblower complaints from his own administration, prompting a deeper look into the activities of his inner circle. Yet, Newsom is likely to continue attributing blame to Trump, and many on the left may disregard any findings against him.
