The federal government has launched a criminal investigation into Governor Gavin Newsom’s (D) international travels, the San Francisco Standard reports.
The outlet reviewed subpoenas for the probe, which request testimony and communications with Newsom, and seek “six years of records involving the California State Protocol Foundation, a nonprofit that has paid for Newsom’s overseas travel, as well as communications with a circle of his current and former aides, advisers, and associates,” The Standard wrote. One of the aides under federal scrutiny includes Becca Prowda, Newsom’s chief protocol officer, who is the wife of San Francisco Mayor Daniel Lurie.
Another subpoena demands records relating to the governor’s involvement in international events, as well as the funds used for his residence, living, and personal expenses.
According to one of the subpoenas signed by Assistant U.S. Attorney Michael D. Anderson: “The records requested by this subpoena are for use in a criminal investigation pending in the Eastern District of California.”
Newsom’s office condemned the investigation, saying in a statement, “Governor Newsom went after the king — and as he warned in June, the tyrant is now coming after everyone around him. This is what Donald Trump does to his enemies: investigate first, hunt for a crime that doesn’t exist second. It’s deeply upsetting to see innocent staff, friends, and family have their names dragged through the mud just because they’re associated with the Governor.”
Newsom claimed in June that he was being targeted by the Trump administration. “Donald Trump isn’t just coming after me because of my mean Tweets. He’s coming after me because I am considering running for President,” he said in a video statement. “Because he hates that I’ve consistently called him out – over and over again – for his lies and deceit. Donald Trump is simply the most corrupt President in American history.”
“After calling for my arrest last year, Donald Trump directed his Department of Justice to investigate me,” the governor said. “And just in the last week, I’ve learned his campaign has reached my own home: to get me, he’s coming after my wife, Jen.”
