Jennifer Siebel Newsom, the wife of California Governor Gavin Newsom, referred to an ongoing investigation into the couple as a “fishing expedition” during a somewhat uncomfortable interview on Friday. This was her first significant comment since the governor disclosed details of the federal inquiry in June.
When asked by MS Now anchor Stephanie Ruhle whether the investigation started under former President Joe Biden, Siebel Newsom appeared slightly confused.
Both she and the governor, who is contemplating a run for the presidency in 2028, are certain that the investigation has political motivations linked to Republican Donald Trump.
“I’m not completely in the loop on the specifics,” she admitted after a brief hesitation.
She then attempted to clarify the timeline, saying, “I know that Trump targeted my husband while Biden was president and during Biden’s campaign.”
She added, “This is a fishing expedition. And I think what you’re saying is that it’s been going on for a long time. My husband is President Trump’s most vocal critic… I don’t know, but they seem to have been continually after him.”
Siebel Newsom criticized a conservative media “empire” for trying to undermine her husband’s potential presidential campaign by attacking them.
“It’s classic Trump: go after your opponent,” she remarked.
She also highlighted the “irony” of the investigation, drawing parallels with themes found in feminist documentaries that discuss how the “patriarchy” seeks to silence powerful women.
Sources close to the Newsom family have indicated that the investigation is focused on Siebel Newsom’s nonprofit organization tied to her documentary work. It was reported in March that her California Partners Project received substantial funds facilitated by her influential husband.
Governor Newsom mentioned in a video on June 15 that federal agents had visited the homes of his family, friends, and former staff.
Until this interview, Siebel Newsom had only provided a brief statement about the investigation. The day after Newsom announced the inquiry, she avoided questions from reporters, offering unrelated responses.
Federal officials have seemingly rejected the notion that there’s any political bias behind the investigation. “He can claim whatever he thinks serves his interests, but that doesn’t make it true,” said Acting Attorney General Todd Blanche regarding Governor Newsom on July 1.
