Newsom dispute over DOJ probe timeline draws scrutiny

California Gov. Gavin Newsom’s claim that President Donald Trump’s Justice Department is targeting him for political reasons is facing new questions after reports suggested parts of the federal inquiry began before Trump returned to office. Multiple outlets, including CalMatters, CBS News, Axios, the Financial Times and The Guardian, cited sources saying at least one Californiabased investigation linked to Newsom’s circle started during the Biden administration. CalMatters reported that some inquiries in the Eastern District of California were opened about a year ago and grew out of whistleblower complaints and local reports in Sacramento. Newsom has said the Justice Department is expanding or politicizing the cases in retaliation for his criticism of Trump. His office has also sought records through FOIA to determine who directed the investigation. Acting Attorney General Todd Blanche rejected Newsom’s accusations as not grounded in fact, while Newsom’s office responded by mocking him on social media.