Federal Probes Into Newsom Circle Began Before Trump Term, Expanded Later

California Gov. Gavin Newsom stated that President Donald Trump's Justice Department launched a politically motivated fishing expedition against him. Fox News reported that multiple outlets indicated key federal investigations involving Newsom's orbit predate Trump's second administration.

CalMatters reported that at least two criminal investigations involving Newsom's orbit have been underway for about a year in the U.S. Attorney's Office for the Eastern District of California. One inquiry involving former Newsom chief of staff Dana Williamson was opened during the Biden administration, according to a Justice Department source cited by CalMatters.

Williamson pleaded guilty earlier this year to corruption charges in a case that did not implicate Newsom. CBS News, Axios, the Financial Times and The Guardian reported that at least one federal inquiry began roughly a year ago and originated in California rather than at Justice Department headquarters in Washington.

Fox News Digital previously reported that investigators have opened inquiries involving Jennifer Siebel Newsom.

Acting Attorney General Todd Blanche stated he was not sure Newsom's words are in any way grounded in fact. Newsom's office posted a meme captioned Why you always lyin on social media in response and stated that Trump goons know that it is not a crime to lie to a reporter.

Newsom's office contends federal prosecutors expanded their inquiries after failing to build a case from the Williamson investigation.

Investigators have examined Jennifer Siebel Newsom's tax filings, nonprofit organizations and certain behested payments.