Barabak: Federal probe of Newsom creates lots of smoke. Is there any fire?
Key takeaways
- Department of “Justice” — is sniffing around Gavin Newsom and his wife, Jennifer Siebel Newsom.
- This is widely seen as a throw-me-in-the-briar-patch gift from President Trump, coming as California’s governor edges ever closer toward a 2028 run for the White House.
- After all, look at how Trump’s verbal bludgeoning elevated former Rep.
Some suggest a Justice Department probe of Gov. Gavin Newsom and his wife, Jennifer Siebel Newsom, will boost his presidential prospects. But it’s too soon to say. (Mario Tama / Getty Images) By Mark Z. Barabak Columnist Follow June 21, 2026 3 AM PT 6 min Click here to listen to this article Share via Close extra sharing options Email Facebook X Linked In Threads Reddit Whats App Copy Link URL Copied! Print 0:00 0:00 1x This is read by an automated voice. Please report any issues or inconsistencies here.
The U.S. Department of Justice — make that the U.S. Department of “Justice” — is sniffing around Gavin Newsom and his wife, Jennifer Siebel Newsom.
This is widely seen as a throw-me-in-the-briar-patch gift from President Trump, coming as California’s governor edges ever closer toward a 2028 run for the White House. The presumed effort to cut down a political foe could instead boost Newsom’s chances of winning the Democratic nomination, or so it’s being suggested.