California Governor Gavin Newsom has accused President Donald Trump of using the U.S. Department of Justice as a political weapon, alleging that a federal investigation targeting him and his wife is motivated by fears of a possible presidential challenge rather than any evidence of wrongdoing.
In a strongly worded statement posted on social media, Newsom claimed that he and his wife had become the latest targets of what he described as President Trump’s “hit list,” following reports that the Department of Justice had been directed to investigate them.
“Today, my wife & I joined Donald Trump’s hit list,” Newsom wrote. “He has directed his Department of Justice to investigate us. They have not found a crime – they are simply trying to find one.”
The California governor, widely regarded as a potential contender for the Democratic Party’s presidential nomination in 2028, suggested that the investigation was politically motivated and linked to speculation about his future political ambitions.
“He isn’t coming after me because of mean tweets, but because I am considering running for President,” Newsom stated.
The latest remarks mark a significant escalation in the long-running feud between Newsom and Trump, two of America’s most prominent political figures who have frequently clashed over issues ranging from immigration and climate policy to federal-state relations.
Newsom further accused the president of targeting him because of his public criticism of the administration, saying, “He hates that I consistently call him out. He is simply the most corrupt President in American history.”
The governor maintained that neither he nor his family had anything to conceal and challenged Trump directly.
“We have nothing to hide. Mr. President, come after me. I am not going anywhere. The country is watching,” Newsom declared.
The controversy comes amid growing speculation about the political landscape ahead of the next U.S. presidential election cycle. While Newsom has not officially declared a presidential bid, he has increasingly emerged as one of the Democratic Party’s most visible national figures, fueling discussions about a possible White House campaign.
