California Gov. Gavin Newsom’s claims that President Donald Trump’s Justice Department launched a politically motivated ‘fishing expedition’ against him are facing new scrutiny after multiple reports indicated key federal investigations predate Trump’s second administration.

Investigations Predate Trump Administration

The timeline has emerged as a central point in the dispute. While Newsom argues the current Justice Department is weaponizing the investigations against a political rival, multiple news organizations, citing sources familiar with the matter, have reported that at least some of the investigative activity began before Trump returned to the White House.

According to CalMatters, at least two criminal investigations involving Newsom’s orbit have been underway for about a year in the U.S. Attorney’s Office for the Eastern District of California. The outlet, citing a Justice Department source familiar with the matter, reported the investigations originated from whistleblowers and local complaints in Sacramento, while one inquiry involving former Newsom chief of staff Dana Williamson was opened during the Biden administration.

CBS News, Axios, the Financial Times, and The Guardian have also reported similar timelines, citing sources familiar with the investigations. Newsom has maintained that the current Justice Department has expanded or politicized the investigations, even as the reported chronology has fueled questions over whether the inquiries themselves originated under Trump’s administration.

Acting Attorney General Todd Blanche pushed back on that characterization, stating he was ‘not sure [Newsom’s] words are in any way grounded in fact,’ adding that the California governor ‘would have to address that.’ Blanche did not confirm or deny whether any investigation exists.

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