California Governor Gavin Newsom's team is messaging to Congress that the Justice Department's investigation into him is political retaliation by the Trump administration. According to Axios, Newsom claims he's targeted because he might run for president—not because of actual crimes. However, sources familiar with the investigation say it originated from whistleblowers and local California sources, not White House orders. They note legitimate investigations into Newsom's circle: his wife's tax conduct and a former aide who recently pled guilty to lying to the FBI, filing false returns, and conspiracy to commit fraud.

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