California governor accuses Trump of ‘vendetta’ probe

LOS ANGELES: California’s Democratic governor Gavin Newsom, a likely White House contender in 2028, on Monday accused Republican President Donald Trump of launching a criminal investigation against him as a “personal vendetta.”

Newsom said federal agents had questioned friends and associates of him and his wife, as well as sifting through “years and years of random documents.”

Newsom – who Trump refers to as “Newscum” – has recently boosted his national profile by mocking Trump on social media.

“Donald Trump isn’t just coming after me because of my mean tweets,” Newsom said in the video. “He’s coming after me because I am considering running for president.”

The New York Times reported multiple investigations are underway into Newsom, with one focused on the finances of his wife Jennifer Siebel Newsom.

“One by one, anyone who has challenged Donald Trump has ended up on his hit list,” the governor said.

AFP has asked the Department of Justice for comment.