CNN fact-checks this:
The investigation was not started by Trump or ordered from the top DOJ in Washington. It was launched last year (2025) by the US Attorney’s Office in Sacramento after whistleblower reports. Newsom is accused of doing “damage control” because things are getting hot for him.
🚨 WOW! Even CNN is REBUTTING Gavin Newsom's claim that President Trump ORDERED the DOJ to investigate him
Per CNN, the probe was launched last year by the US Attorney's Office in Sacramento based on a whistleblower report. NOT Trump. NOT the DOJ. A WHISTLEBLOWER.
Gavin is… pic.twitter.com/ISUlu1eV3V
— Nick Sortor (@nicksortor) June 17, 2026
- Newsom went public (video + statements) saying Trump is “weaponizing” the DOJ against him and First Partner Jennifer Siebel Newsom. He claims they’re on Trump’s “hit list” because he might run for president in 2028.
- Multiple federal probes are reportedly underway:
- One tied to Jennifer Siebel Newsom’s taxes and nonprofits.
- Another linked to Newsom’s former chief of staff (Dana Williamson), who already pleaded guilty to fraud.
- Sources (including CNN) say the cases started from whistleblowers in California, not political direction from DC.
This is classic political spin from both sides. Newsom is trying to paint himself as a victim of Trump’s DOJ. Critics say he’s getting ahead of bad news coming out.