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California Politics · DOJ Investigation · Nonprofit Finances · Political Fundraising
The U.S. Department of Justice is investigating California First Partner Jennifer Siebel Newsom's taxes and nonprofits, along with Governor Gavin Newsom's finances, stemming from whistleblower complaints and potentially linked to a former staffer's fraud conviction, prompting Newsom to label it a "political witch hunt" and solicit fundraising.
The probe, ongoing for about one year, involves IRS and FBI agents contacting dozens of associates and obtaining bank records, according to Newsom's office and federal sources. One aspect connects to Dana Williamson, Newsom's former chief of staff, who pleaded guilty to fraud and lying to the FBI, facing up to 38 years in prison and $1.35 million in fines.
Siebel Newsom earns over $161,250 annually from her nonprofit, Representation Project, which also paid her film company an identical amount, totaling approximately $3 million in earnings since 2015. This nonprofit received over $800,000 from companies like PG&E and AT&T.
Governor Newsom also solicited over $4.8 million for California Partners Project, with $1.8 million from Federated Indians of Graton Rancheria, and the California State Protocol Foundation received over $5 million for his political expenses. Newsom attributes the investigation to political targeting by Donald Trump ahead of his potential 2028 presidential bid.
