DOJ Probe Into Newsom's Orbit Reportedly Began Under Biden Administration
If the federal investigation predates the Trump administration, Newsom's public framing of the probe as a politically motivated act by Trump may not align with the documented timeline.
A federal investigation connected to California Governor Gavin Newsom's political orbit reportedly commenced during the Biden administration, according to reporting by Fox News citing unnamed sources familiar with the inquiry, complicating Newsom's public assertion that the probe constitutes a Trump-directed political attack. The precise origination date of the investigation, the specific federal statutes under examination, and the identities of subjects named in any referral or grand jury proceeding have not been confirmed in publicly available court filings as of July 5, 2026.
Newsom, a Democrat widely regarded as a prospective 2028 presidential candidate, stated publicly that the DOJ inquiry represents political targeting by the Trump administration. However, Fox News reported that individuals with knowledge of the matter indicated the investigative activity began prior to January 20, 2025, when President Trump took office. The Department of Justice has not issued a public statement confirming or denying the existence of the investigation.
Federal investigations into political figures can be initiated by career prosecutors within DOJ components such as the Public Integrity Section or a relevant U.S. Attorney's office, and may continue across administrations independent of White House direction. The legal authority and chain of command over any specific investigation would be reflected in internal DOJ documentation, which is not a public record unless disclosed through court filings, congressional testimony, or a formal DOJ press release.
Several facts remain unknown and unverifiable from current public records: the specific subject matter of the alleged investigation, whether a grand jury has been empaneled, whether any subpoenas have been issued, and whether the Trump DOJ has expanded or altered the scope of any inquiry that may have originated under Biden. The documents that would answer these questions include federal grand jury filings, DOJ National Security or Public Integrity Section referral records, and any congressional notifications required under 28 C.F.R. Part 600 if a special counsel were appointed. None of those records are currently publicly available.