Investigation Involves Newsom’s Inner Circle
Recently, it has come to light that individuals close to Governor Gavin Newsom were secretly recording conversations during an ongoing criminal investigation involving his former chief of staff, Dana Williamson.
Reports indicate that Williamson, who pled guilty to federal fraud and tax charges last May, is a central figure in this inquiry. Furthermore, investigations concerning Governor Newsom and his wife remain active, as highlighted by a report.
It has been revealed that Alexis Podesta, a Democratic insider, was equipped with a recording device during the investigation into Williamson. This disclosure sheds some light on why several political insiders in Sacramento received notifications from the FBI about monitored calls linked to this investigation.
McGregor Scott, Williamson’s attorney, shared that “Alexis had a wire on, Dana didn’t.” However, it’s unclear if any recorded conversation involved direct criticism of the governor.
Meanwhile, the Eastern District is looking into allegations surrounding the Newsoms’ actions against former President Donald Trump, who is contemplating a presidential bid.
Previous reports stated that this investigation has been “ongoing since 2025,” sparked by a whistleblower’s complaint detailing issues with Newsom’s personal finances.
In March, a source disclosed that Jennifer Siebel Newsom, the governor’s wife, is suspected of improperly benefiting from her charity, The Representation Project, to the tune of over $3 million in the last decade.
This information was relayed by someone familiar with the investigation, suggesting that a thorough examination of the financial dealings related to Newsom, his staff, and his wife has been taking place for some time.
Last year, Trump publicly suggested that Newsom should face arrest for his handling of immigration issues, a remark that the governor characterized as leaning towards authoritarianism.
Republican Congressman Josh Hoover noted that he received one of the FBI’s notifications regarding the Williamson inquiry, but he had no conversations with either Williamson or Podesta. He expressed uncertainty about how these investigations operate, suggesting a broad approach is being taken across the Capitol community.
Sources have indicated that the FBI’s letter likely ties back to a recorded conversation involving Podesta.
Williamson reportedly declined to collaborate with federal investigators due to a lack of information about Newsom, according to her attorney.
Currently, Podesta is serving as the director of the California Indemnity Insurance Fund, earning approximately $61,000 annually since being appointed by Newsom in 2020. She has previously held various roles in earlier administrations, as well as positions at Disney and with the late Senator Dianne Feinstein.
As of now, Podesta has not faced any criminal charges.
Williamson was found guilty in May of conspiracy to commit bank fraud, wire fraud, and filing false tax returns, among other charges. Notably, she was Newsom’s top aide during 2022 and 2024.
Federal prosecutors accused Williamson and others of attempting to redirect funds—around $225,000—from a campaign account associated with former Health and Human Services Secretary Xavier Becerra, allegedly for personal use.
Becerra is now a leading candidate to succeed Newsom as governor.
Williamson’s attorney noted that Podesta had taken over the management of Becerra’s dormant campaign account but claimed that Podesta was unaware that her consulting fees to Becerra’s chief of staff were inappropriate.
