California's outgoing Democratic governor, Gavin Newsom, said the US Department of Justice has launched an investigation into him and his wife.
"Today, my wife & I joined Donald Trump's hit list. He has directed his Department of Justice to investigate us. They have not found a crime - they are simply trying to find one," Newsom said Monday in a post and a video on X.
"He isn't coming after me because of mean tweets, but because I am considering running for President," he added.
Newsom did not specify what the allegations were. The Justice Department did not immediately respond to a request for comment.
According to Newsom, investigators are arbitrarily sifting through mountains of files. He said that his wife, Jennifer, has also come under the government's scrutiny.
Trump could harass him, investigate him and put him on his list of enemies, Newsom asserted, but he added: "Leave my wife and family out of your personal vendetta."
As the governor of California, Newsom leads the most populous and economically powerful US state. He has gained attention for relentlessly lambasting Trump on social media.
Long-running Trump-Newsom rivalry
Newsom and Trump have long been political rivals and frequently exchange public barbs. Trump has repeatedly described the Democratic governor as incompetent.
In June 2025, Trump sparked outrage with remarks suggesting Newsom could be arrested. Asked whether his border czar, Tom Homan, should detain Newsom, Trump replied: "I would do it if I were Tom. I think it's great."
When pressed on what crime Newsom had committed, Trump later said his "primary crime" was running for governor. Newsom had done "such a bad job," he said.
The Trump administration has in recent months taken action against a number of politicians and officials who have fallen out of favour with the president.
Those targeted have included former FBI director James Comey, New York Attorney General Letitia James and Democratic Senator Adam Schiff. In each case, Trump had publicly called for action against them or levelled sharp accusations. All have denied wrongdoing.
