California Governor Gavin Newsom, a Democrat and prominent critic of US President Donald Trump, announced on Monday that the US Department of Justice (DOJ) is investigating him and his wife.

In a video posted on X, Newsom alleged the investigation is politically motivated, targeting him because he is considering a 2028 presidential run. "Today, my wife & I joined Donald Trump's hit list," Newsom said, claiming the DOJ is "abusing the grand jury process" to build a case.

The DOJ has not confirmed any investigation. Newsom stated that federal agents have sought to interview his friends and former employees "not because they found a crime, because they're trying to find one." He also said investigators are focusing on his wife, Jennifer Siebel Newsom, who runs a women's equality nonprofit.

Newsom called Trump "the most corrupt president in American history" and accused the DOJ, led by Trump loyalist Todd Blanche, of targeting him politically. Trump has repeatedly vowed to prosecute opponents.

Since taking office in 2025, the DOJ has indicted or sought to indict New York Attorney General Letitia James, former FBI Director James Comey, Senator Adam Schiff, and Minnesota Governor Tim Walz—all Trump critics.

Trump has frequently attacked Newsom on social media, calling him "Newscum." In June 2024, Trump suggested Newsom should be arrested over immigration protests. Newsom recently posted a montage of Trump sleeping at events, captioning it "80 is the new 100" on Trump's 80th birthday.

Source: www.aljazeera.com