Gavin Newsom says he’s being investigated by DOJ; Whistleblowers sparked several ongoing investigations, sources say

Democratic California Gov. Gavin Newsom said Monday that he is being investigated by the Department of Justice (DOJ).

Several investigations related to Newsom have been ongoing for roughly a year and originated from whistleblowers and on-the-ground sources, a source familiar with the situation confirmed to The Lion. The source said the investigations are focusing on Newsom’s former chief of staff and his wife’s taxes.

Newsom posted a statement and video Monday on X, stating that he and his wife joined President Donald Trump’s “hit list” and that the DOJ is pursuing a baseless probe.

The DOJ declined to comment, and Newsom’s office directed The Lion to the governor’s statement and a fact sheet noting Trump said in June 2025 that it would be “great” if Newsom were arrested.

“In recent days, federal agents have knocked on the doors of family friends and former employees, not because they found a crime, because they’re simply trying to find one,” Newsom said. “They’re demanding records. They’re abusing the grand jury process, digging through years and years of random documents.” 

Newsom’s former chief of staff, Dana Williamson, pleaded guilty in federal court to multiple counts May 14, including conspiracy to commit bank fraud and wire fraud. She had served in Newsom’s office as his chief of staff for about two years before she was put on leave in November 2024 over the investigation launched by the Biden FBI, according to multiple reports.

“He isn’t coming after me because of mean tweets, but because I am considering running for President. He hates that I consistently call him out,” Newsom claimed. “He is simply the most corrupt President in American history. We have nothing to hide. Mr. President, come after me. I am not going anywhere.”