Gavin Newsom Says DOJ Probe Is Political — But Take A Closer Look
The dubious financing around California first family has been talked about for a very long time…
2
1
A Trillionaire, And The American Miracle
The world’s first trillionaire arrives as America and Adam Smith’s The Wealth of Nations both approach their 250th anniversary.
Jun 15, 2026
∙ Paid
[REMINDER, WE ARE ON A VACATION SCHEDULE THIS WEEK]
Our morning content is free for all subscribers and guests! Usually our afternoon content is behind a paywall, but not when I am previewing a California Post column… If you are not yet a paid subscriber, consider upgrading — you are missing a significant portion of what we produce each week, and your support makes it possible. If you want to get it all and support my efforts, please consider a paid subscription! There is exclusive content below the paywall on this post…
You can also listen to this post (and the full California Post column) on our podcast feed, So, Does It Matter? SPOKEN. It is available on your favorite podcast app. And you can listen to it here.
California’s First Family Under Federal Probe
Is Jennifer Siebel Newsom simply a governor’s spouse caught in a political crossfire?
Or has California’s First Partner become something much more significant — a public figure, policy advocate, nonprofit founder, and influential player in Sacramento’s political ecosystem?
Those questions are at the center of my latest California Post column.
Gov. Gavin Newsom has dismissed federal scrutiny surrounding organizations connected to his wife as political retaliation. But before Californians accept that explanation, it’s worth taking a closer look at what role the First Partner has chosen to play in public life — and whether public influence inevitably brings public accountability.
For years, Californians have been encouraged to view the First Partner’s initiatives as important public endeavors deserving media attention, donor support, and a seat at the policymaking table.
If that’s true, can those same activities suddenly become off limits when investigators begin asking questions?
My column is not about guilt or innocence. It is about transparency, scrutiny, and the standards that should apply when political power, nonprofit fundraising, and public influence intersect.
The governor calls it a political vendetta.
I think Californians should ask a different question.
👉 Read my full California Post column HERE. (No Paywall)
Additional Reading…
Jennifer Siebel Newsom Is Not A Victim. She Is A Combatant.
Our morning posts are free for all subscribers — but if you want the full experience, including exclusive content and deeper analysis, you’ll need to be a paid member. About 35% of everything we produce is reserved for paid subscribers. It’s priced well below what Substack recommends — and during a critical elec…
But Wait, There’s More…
My friend Jennifer Van Laar has reported on Red State about so many of the shady dealings of the Newsoms. A launch point for that reporting is here.
And over at the California Globe Megan Barth reminds us about how their publication has been covering the shady activities of the Newsoms for years. And here is a link to the search word “Siebel” at the California Globe if you do not believe me. Katy Grimes could write a book on it all…
For Premium Subscribers - More!
Under the payroll are three more outstanding political cartoons on this topic. You don’t wanna miss them!
