Fox News correspondent Max Gorden reports on a federal investigation into the finances of California Gov. Gavin Newsom and his wife.
California Gov. Gavin Newsom's claims that President Donald Trump's Justice Department launched a politically motivated "fishing expedition" against him are facing new scrutiny after multiple reports indicated key federal investigations predate Trump's second administration.
The timeline has emerged as a central point in the dispute. While Newsom argues the current Justice Department is weaponizing the investigations against a political rival, multiple news organizations, citing sources familiar with the matter, have reported that at least some of the investigative activity began before Trump returned to the White House.
According to CalMatters, at least two criminal investigations involving Newsom's orbit have been underway for about a year in the U.S. Attorney's Office for the Eastern District of California. The outlet, citing a Justice Department source familiar with the matter, reported the investigations originated from whistleblowers and local complaints in Sacramento, while one inquiry involving former Newsom chief of staff Dana Williamson was opened during the Biden administration. CBS News, Axios, the Financial Times and The Guardian have also reported similar timelines, citing sources familiar with the investigations.
Newsom has maintained that the current Justice Department has expanded or politicized the investigations, even as the reported chronology has fueled questions over whether the inquiries themselves originated under Trump's administration.
President Donald Trump and Gov. Gavin Newsom, D-Calif., have feuded throughout Trump's second term so far. (AP Newsroom)
The outlet also reported that one investigation involving Williamson was opened during the Biden administration. Williamson pleaded guilty earlier this year to corruption charg
