Good morning.
A political firestorm erupted in California after Gov. Gavin Newsom revealed that the Justice Department has opened an investigation into him and his wife. The Trump administration has officially abandoned a Biden-era firearm regulation targeting private gun sales, and a federal judge facing allegations of misconduct is now apologizing to former staff as impeachment efforts gain momentum in Congress.
Newsom Accuses Trump Administration of Political Retaliation
California Gov. Gavin Newsom announced that the Justice Department is investigating him and his wife, Jennifer Siebel Newsom.
In a lengthy statement, Newsom accused President Trump of using federal law enforcement to target political opponents and suggested the investigation is motivated by his potential presidential ambitions rather than evidence of wrongdoing.
According to Newsom’s office, federal agents have contacted former employees and family associates seeking records and information. Newsom claims investigators are searching for evidence of misconduct rather than pursuing a specific crime.
The governor framed the investigation as part of a broader pattern, pointing to other recent Justice Department inquiries involving prominent Trump critics and political adversaries.
Newsom expressed outrage that investigators have reportedly sought information involving his wife, describing her as a public servant being dragged into a political dispute.
Some speculate that the involvement of his wife could be relating to her receiving millions of dollars in payments from a nonprofit organization she founded, according to financial records cited in a recent media report.
For example, filings for the fiscal year ending in March 2021 show that the organization received $1,082,077 in grants and donations, with a combined $300,000 paid to Siebel Newsom and her production company—about 28 percent of the nonprofit’s income that year. The following year, the organization reportedly paid $302,500 to Siebel Newsom and her company, roughly 29 percent of its total revenue.
The Justice Department has not publicly commented on the scope or purpose of the investigation, leaving many questions unanswered. But Newsom’s decision to publicize the matter immediately transforms what may have been a legal inquiry into a major political confrontation between one of the Democratic Party’s highest-profile figures and the Trump administration.
Biden-Era Gun Sales Rule Officially Falls
A federal court formally struck down a Biden administration firearm regulation Friday after the Justice Department dropped its appeal.
The rule, known as the “Engaged in the Business” regulation, sought to expand the circumstances under which individuals selling firearms could be considered gun dealers and therefore required to obtain federal licenses and conduct background checks.
The regulation was challenged by Texas, Gun Owners of America, and several individual plaintiffs, who argued the Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms and Explosives exceeded its statutory authority.
After securing a preliminary injunction last year, opponents of the rule received a final victory when the Trump Justice Department moved to abandon the government’s appeal as part of a broader review of Biden-era firearm regulations.
The decision follows Acting Attorney General Todd Blanche’s announcement that the administration plans to roll back dozens of ATF rules, including regulations involving stabilizing braces and other policies relating to firearms.
Federal Judge’s Apology Fuels Impeachment Push
A federal judge at the center of a courthouse misconduct scandal is facing renewed scrutiny after issuing a written apology to a former law clerk while House Republicans continue pushing for her impeachment.
According to reports, U.S. District Judge Eleanor Ross acknowledged “harmful, offensive, and unprofessional behavior” and apologized for falsely accusing a former clerk of fabricating allegations against her.
The apology follows an investigation that concluded Ross engaged in an undisclosed extramarital relationship with a high-ranking Atlanta police officer resulting in loud sex in the audible intercourse at the courthouse during business hours. She also later provided inaccurate statements during the inquiry.
Republican lawmakers argue the findings warrant removal from the federal bench. Reps. Andrew Clyde and Clay Fuller have introduced impeachment resolutions accusing Ross of conduct unbecoming a federal judge and misleading investigators.
The matter now heads to the House Judiciary Committee, where lawmakers will decide whether impeachment proceedings should move forward.
For now, Ross remains on the bench. But with a public apology now on record and congressional pressure mounting, the controversy appears far from over.
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