Newsom Faces Federal Criminal Probe: What's Under Investigation?

Summary

California Governor Gavin Newsom announced he and his wife are under federal criminal investigation, which he attributes to a political attack by Donald Trump. However, critics argue this is a baseless claim and point to several "shady dealings" as potential reasons for the probe. One major concern is the guilty plea of Newsom's former chief of staff, Dana Williamson, to conspiracy to commit fraud and filing false tax returns, with allegations of laundering campaign funds. Another area of scrutiny is "behested payments" totaling millions of dollars to Newsom's wife's foundation from companies and special interests with business before the state. Additionally, questions are being raised about a $1 billion mask contract awarded to BYD, a Chinese company, and Newsom's trip to China shortly after, along with suspicious ties to Chinese foreign nationals. Newsom's purchase of a $9.1 million mansion as part of an LLC is also being examined for its financial backing. Reform California is conducting its own investigation and urges public support through donations and volunteer efforts on their website, reformcalifornia.org.