California governor says US Justice Department starts probe into him

California Governor Gavin Newsom said Monday that the U.S. Department of Justice has launched an investigation into him, reported Xinhua.

In a post on X, Newsom said that the Trump administration is targeting him because he is "considering running for President."

"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.

"We have nothing to hide. Mr. President, come after me. I am not going anywhere," Newsom added.

According to Newsom's aides, federal agents have questioned friends and associates of the governor and his wife over the past week.

The governor's office said former staff members and individuals affiliated with nonprofit organizations linked to Newsom's wife were among those interviewed by federal investigators, media reports said.