The Justice Department is investigating California First Lady Jennifer Siebel Newsom for tax-related conduct, according to a person familiar with the probe. The investigation, which was launched last year by the US attorney’s office in Sacramento, has involved interviews with potential witnesses and grand jury subpoenas.

Background of the Investigation

People close to Governor Gavin Newsom and his wife have been interviewed by investigators, and records related to the family’s finances have also been subpoenaed. The investigation is separate from a previous case involving a top aide to the governor, Dana Williamson, who was indicted on charges of conspiracy to illegally funnel money from a dormant campaign account.

Newsom has accused the Trump administration of spearheading a politically motivated investigation into his inner circle. However, a person familiar with the probe denied that it was launched by the department’s Trump-appointed leadership in DC.

Reaction to the Investigation

Newsom blasted the investigation in a video, claiming that Trump was “coming after me because I’m considering running for president, because he hates that I’ve consistently called him out, over and over again, for his lies and deceit.” The disclosure of the probe comes as acting Attorney General Todd Blanche is seeking to win over skeptical senators whose support he’ll need to be confirmed to as DOJ’s permanent leader.

Original reporting: El Paso News (HLL/CB) — read the source article.