Federal Investigation into Governor Newsom's International Travel and Funding
The federal government is conducting a criminal investigation related to Governor Gavin Newsom's international travel and its funding. Subpoenas have been issued seeking records involving the California State Protocol Foundation, a nonprofit that has paid for Newsom's overseas travel, as well as communications with his current and former aides, advisers, and associates. The investigation effort was first disclosed by Newsom in June and is focused on him and his wife, Jennifer Siebel Newsom. The subpoenas indicate that the records will be used in a criminal investigation pending in the Eastern District of California.
Newsom's office has dismissed the investigation as baseless, stating that there are no crimes to investigate. The governor's team believes that the investigation is politically motivated and aims to target Newsom and those associated with him. The subpoenas also extend to Newsom's political and government circle, including communications with members of the California State Protocol Foundation's board and other key figures in Newsom's administration.
The California State Protocol Foundation, which has supported California governors' official travel expenses for over two decades using private donations, is at the center of the investigation. The subpoenas also requested records related to Newsom's international travel, participation in international events, and finances related to his residence and personal expenses. The foundation has received millions of dollars in outside contributions during Newsom's tenure, with significant amounts directed to it by the governor.
The investigation appears to be looking into the possibility of improper gifts or influence peddling, although the specific alleged crimes are not cited in the subpoenas. The scope of the investigation and its targets may be broader than initially described. The subpoenas come following a letter from the Federal Election Commission demanding details about funding for Newsom's recent travels in the South to support Democrats before the primaries.
The U.S. attorney's office in the Eastern District of California, led by Eric Grant, is overseeing the investigation. Newsom and individuals close to him have been under scrutiny by the Justice Department for over a year. Newsom has characterized the investigation as part of a broader effort by the Trump administration to target political adversaries, while the Justice Department denies any political motivation behind its investigations.