Could a DOJ tax probe into Gov. Gavin Newsom’s wife help him politically? One Dem strategist calls it a ‘badge of honor’ | CNN Politics

Could a DOJ tax probe into Gov. Gavin Newsom’s wife help him politically? One Dem strategist calls it a ‘badge of honor’

Phil Mattingly

By Phil Mattingly, CNN

Published 1:41 PM EDT, Tue June 16, 2026

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Could a DOJ tax probe into Gov. Gavin Newsom's wife help him politically? One Dem strategist calls it a 'badge of honor'

Inside Politics

California Gov. Gavin Newsom is vowing to fight back against President Trump's "lawlessness"—that's how he describes a DOJ probe into his wife over possible tax-related crimes. In a party craving a fighter, could perceived persecution at the hands of the Trump administration actually help burnish Newsom's credentials ahead of a possible 2028 run? The Inside Politics panel breaks down how the probe—and Newsom's response—could impact his presidential ambitions.

7:01 • Source: CNN

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