Governor Gavin Newsom has consented to pay a fine of $31,500 just a day after revealing he is under federal investigation. This comes after California’s political watchdog discovered he didn’t disclose millions in donations in a timely manner, much of which was related to wildfire relief efforts in Los Angeles.
The Fair Political Practices Commission (FPPC) found that Newsom failed to file 36 required payment reports on time, concerning over $5.5 million from various corporations, foundations, and other contributors from 2024 and 2025.
Media reports have shed light on significant contributions from major business figures, which include $1 million from the Chuck Lorre Foundation, as well as $500,000 each from BlackRock, Uber Eats, Lockheed Martin, and Anthem Blue Cross Foundation. Additional contributions included $250,000 from Apple, $200,000 from Amazon, and $150,000 each from Verizon and American Express.
Many of these funds were directed to the Cal Fire Foundation after Newsom or his team guided individuals seeking assistance towards nonprofits aiding firefighters and fire victims following devastating wildfires in Los Angeles in January 2025, according to a recent filing.
This isn’t the first instance of such a fine for Newsom; he had incurred penalties before for the same issue. The watchdog group noted that while he did report the donations, it was only after the FPPC discovered them, emphasizing the governor’s cooperation with the investigation. The context of wildfires being a state of emergency was also mentioned.
Nevertheless, the ongoing pattern of late reporting has led to a substantial fine, pointing to this being a repeat violation. The governor’s office did not offer any comments when approached.
Newsom’s record shows a tendency of not promptly reporting the funds he raises for various groups. Compounding matters, he is currently subjected to a federal investigation involving his wife and former chief of staff.
In late 2024, he faced a $10,500 fine from the FPPC for late disclosures of a high payment amounting to $14.4 million. Under California law, elected officials are obligated to disclose contributions exceeding $5,000 meant for charities, government programs, or similar purposes.
Some reports have seen delays of over six months; one payment from the Schwab Charitable Foundation to the Institute for Local Government was reported 229 days late, according to FPPC documentation.
The proposed fine structure includes $1,750 for each of the 18 incidences the regulator assesses. The possible maximum penalty could reach $90,000.
This situation arises during a precarious period for Newsom, who, along with his wife and staff, is under a federal investigation. One aspect involves scrutiny over the taxes of his wife, Jennifer Siebel Newsom, while another concerns his former chief of staff, Dana Williamson, who recently pleaded guilty to conspiracy related to bank and wire fraud, among other charges.
Newsom has attributed the investigation to political motives, specifically targeting President Trump. In a recorded statement, he mentioned that federal agents are approaching people not because they’ve found wrongdoing but ostensibly in search of potential crimes.
Siebel Newsom echoed similar sentiments, criticizing President Trump and stating that he “has no borders.” The case is being overseen by the U.S. Attorney’s Office for the Eastern District of California.
“Donald Trump chose the wrong target. We have nothing to hide,” she asserted.
