California Governor Gavin Newsom and his wife, Jennifer Siebel Newsom, have hired prominent Washington defense attorney Abbe Lowell as federal investigators examine matters in their orbit. The inquiry, which began in California, has reportedly focused on the governor’s former chief of staff—who pleaded guilty to federal corruption charges earlier this year—and Siebel Newsom’s finances. No charges have been announced in the current investigation.
Newsom has repeatedly characterized the probe as politically motivated, alleging it follows a pattern of behavior by former President Donald Trump of using federal agencies against perceived rivals. The governor’s administration has described the investigation as an expansive "fishing expedition." Acting Attorney General Todd Blanche has rejected these claims, stating Newsom’s allegations lack factual grounding.
Meanwhile, Jennifer Siebel Newsom dodged questions about her husband’s potential 2028 presidential aspirations during an interview. She emphasized the couple’s focus on California’s economic success and diversity, suggesting their work poses a threat to Republican interests. She also criticized what she described as efforts by the Trump administration to intimidate political opponents.