"Anyone who has challenged Donald Trump has ended up on his hit list, and today, I proudly join that list," Newsom stated on X. The governor characterized the investigation as targeted.
Sources told ABC News the investigation began in 2025 and centers around the taxes of First Partner Jennifer Siebel Newsom.
"They're demanding records. They're abusing the grand jury process, digging through years and years of random documents."
Sources familiar with the matter also told ABC News the investigation is being run by the U.S. Attorney's Office in California's Eastern District.
If charges are brought, a local grand jury could hear the evidence and a Fresno-based federal judge could try the case.
"Today, my family and I have personally confirmed that justice is for sale," Newsom said.
On Capitol Hill Monday, Trump's former personal attorney and now the president's pick to lead the Justice Department was asked about the investigation.
"Is the Justice Department investigating Gavin Newsom?" a reporter asked.
"I'm not here to make any comments," Acting Attorney General Todd Blanche said.
Despite high-profile meetings in 2018 and 2025 about disaster assistance, Newsom and President Donald Trump have criticized each other for years.
Last June, Trump said at the White House that Newsom's arrest would be a "great thing."
"Gavin likes the publicity, but I think (his arrest) would be a great thing. He's done a terrible job," President Trump said.
Trump coined the nickname "Newscum," and the governor has repeatedly fired back. Last week, he called the president "Dozy Don."
Now, Newsom said he believes the investigation is politically motivated.
"He's coming after me because I'm considering running for president, because he hates that I've consistently called him out over and over again for his lies and deceit."
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