California AG Claims DOJ ‘Weaponization’ Amid Newsom Probe Reports

California Attorney General Criticizes Justice Department Amid Probe into Governor Newsom

California Attorney General Rob Bonta has strongly defended Governor Gavin Newsom’s assertions that the Justice Department is being weaponized. Bonta made these remarks when questioned about reports suggesting the federal investigation involving Governor Newsom and his wife, Jennifer Siebel Newsom, originated within California. These reports indicate the probe was not initiated by the Trump administration in Washington D.C.

Bonta stated, “I know what I’ve concluded is that this is highly dubious — there’s no trust in it. This is someone who’s weaponized the U.S. DOJ time and time again. I think he’s doing it now.”

Newsom Alleges Political Targeting

Governor Newsom announced on social media earlier this week that he and his wife are under investigation by the Justice Department. He claimed that former President Donald Trump directed the DOJ to investigate them, placing them on “Donald Trump’s hit list.” Newsom has widely suggested that Trump is targeting him due to growing speculation about a potential presidential bid in 2028.

“Newsom is the governor for the biggest state, the bluest state in the nation, the fourth largest economy in the world,” Bonta argued. “Everyone knows that he could be president of the United States. So you put that situational awareness and context into this, and what do you conclude?”

Bonta further elaborated that Trump has “weaponized” the Justice Department, asserting that it has shifted from its core function of pursuing criminal prosecutions to engaging in “political persecutions against political enemies.” He also made a specific reference to “shifty Schiff,” implying that individuals perceived as political adversaries are being targeted.

Probe Details Emerge

Sources familiar with the matter indicate that the investigation has been underway since 2025. The probe reportedly stems from whistleblower complaints related to the personal finances of Governor Newsom and his wife. The U.S. Attorney’s Office in Sacramento is handling the case.

It has also been reported that officials in Washington were not involved in the decision to open the investigation, according to information from the Associated Press. A separate investigation launched last year during the Biden administration led to corruption charges against Dana Williamson, Newsom’s former chief of staff, who pleaded guilty to lying about sharing internal information with an associate. Governor Newsom was not personally implicated in that probe.

Reports suggest that the Governor’s office believes federal investigators, potentially acting under the Trump administration’s direction, have expanded the scope of the existing probe to include Governor Newsom himself.

Governor’s Office Seeks Information

In response, the Governor’s office announced on Monday that it has submitted a public records request to the Justice Department. The request seeks documents that mention Governor Newsom or his wife during Trump’s second term, including any correspondence with Justice Department leaders.

Senator Adam Schiff, a Democrat representing California, declined to comment on questions regarding the origin of the probe and whether it was initiated by federal prosecutors in California rather than by the administration in Washington.