The Claire Byrne Show
Gavin Newsom is considering running in the next Presidential Election
16 Jun 2026
Transcript generated automatically by AI and may contain errors.
Chapter 1: What is the main topic discussed in this episode?
The Clare Byrne Show on Newstalk. With Aviva Insurance. Well, the California governor, Gavin Newsom, has alleged that the US President Donald Trump is using the Department of Justice to investigate him and his family. Newsom has confirmed he's considering securing the Democrat nomination to run against the Republicans in the next presidential election.
And in a video yesterday, Newsom claimed that an investigation has now reached his own home.
In recent days, federal agents have knocked on the doors of family, friends, and former employees. Not because they found a crime, because they're simply trying to find one. Donald Trump isn't just coming after me because of my mean tweets. He's coming after me because I'm considering running for president.
Chapter 2: What allegations has Gavin Newsom made against Donald Trump?
Because he hates that I've consistently called him out over and over again for his lies and deceit. Donald Trump is simply the most corrupt president in American history. One by one, anyone who has challenged Donald Trump has ended up on his hit list. And today, I proudly join that list. And just in the last week, I've learned that his campaign has reached my own home to get me.
He's coming after my wife, Jen.
That's the California Governor Gavin Newsom. Let's find out more about all of this now. I'm joined by U.S.-based foreign correspondent Sarah Firth.
Chapter 3: What are Gavin Newsom's plans for the upcoming presidential election?
Sarah, hello. You're welcome to the program. Hello, Clare. These are extraordinary claims from Gavin Newsom. What do we know about what's been happening? I mean, do we just have his word for it that this campaign, this investigation is underway or is there more evidence out there that he and his family are being targeted?
well look uh reports in the american media are saying that aids um have described this investigation as having been focused on his wife um look it's all very 2026 isn't it seeing the uh announcement on social media um gavin newsom the california governor look he's long been seen as the potential one of the potential democratic candidates to run for president in 2028.
Chapter 4: What details have emerged about the investigation into Newsom and his family?
And look, that is actually the most definitive. If you watch that social media video, you know, it's very Gavin Newsom, it's very slick and well delivered. It's the most definitive we've heard him say that it seems that he will be looking to run for president. But of course, it comes as he's describing joining along with his wife, what he calls the Department of Justice hit list.
Now, Claire, as to what aides have actually been reported to have said, There are two, we don't know a whole lot, but there are two things that we are told are being looked into. One is into Newsom's wife's taxes, that's Jennifer Siebel, and donors to his campaign funding possibly her non-profit.
Now, I've actually heard that that's not extremely unusual in California in politics for donors, you know, spouses to run nonprofits for various courses that are then funded by supporters of their spouse. But that is one of the areas that is being looked into. And another area I'm told is that there is a Dana Williamson, the former chief of staff for Newsom has just
pled guilty to separate charges related to funds, taking funds or funnelling funds from a former dormant campaign fund. And I think that is something that's being looked into. But look, the Department of Justice so far, I do not think have commented and Gavin Newsom himself has said, that as soon as they do, he is going to be updating. But look, you know, the message was very clear.
Mr. President, come after me. I'm not going anywhere. And the country is watching.
He is... He's very showbiz, isn't he, Gavin Newsom? Like he's very polished, as you said. He's very Hollywood. And he's been really strategic in how he's been tackling Trump with those humorous social media posts that he makes using Trump-isms to get back at him or to push back against him. Does all of this play into that image and that campaign, Sarah?
I think it does. The Democrats are going to have a decision because, you know, there have been, especially with polling that's been done around this, you know, that sort of slick Hollywood style, as you said, Claire, was it Hollywood style? That's quite a good description.
You listen to him and it's like, I feel like I could be listening to Tom Cruise in his latest film. You know, he delivers it that well.
you know what that's it's a really fair point and it's very even here in america where that tends to be you know the style the media training here is like another level if you compare it to uk politics um and that is but i've actually got colleagues in in california who've interviewed him and for example i mean i've spoken to his team a number of times requesting various interviews around
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Chapter 5: How does Newsom describe the political climate surrounding his potential candidacy?
completely different. And I always say, I don't think given President Trump's on record comments, jokes, if you like, but serious comments. In fact, President Trump has actually said before that I'm not joking. He has said many times that he would look into whether he would run again despite the rules. I wouldn't totally rule it out at this moment in time.
I mean, look, he's just had his 80th birthday. I don't, you know, President Trump has sort of said himself that, you know, what's required of a president isn't necessarily the life he wants to live. But I do think it's just worth mentioning, as we're sort of talking about presidential frontrunners and what happens, you know, that's a long time and there's a lot happening here.
Chapter 6: What insights does Sara Firth provide on Newsom's media strategy?
And the courts have pushed back a little bit in some ways. But yeah, I wouldn't totally rule out there being some curveball that President Trump throws into the mix when it comes to looking at front runners. But Gavin Newsom, Claire, he's been really clear. He said to Trump that you can subpoena my records, you can investigate me, you can harass me, put my name on every list you have.
But he's asked President Trump to leave my wife and family out of your personal vendetta. And I do think this is a slightly unusual, you know, given the past investigations into the likes of the former FBI Director James Comey. You know, this you have not just Gavin Newsom being investigated, but his wife and her non-profits as well, reportedly.
And, you know, Gavin Newsom saying he's having people knock on the doors of his friends and colleagues.
All right, Sarah, we'll leave it there for now, but we will talk again very soon, no doubt. Sarah Firth there, US-based foreign correspondent. The Clare Byrne Show. With Aviva Insurance. Weekday mornings at 9. On Newstalk. Conversation that counts.