Gavin Newsom pleads politics as investigators close in

Gavin Newsom is not above the law.

That’s what Democrats told us, for years, about Donald Trump, every time they investigated him.

It’s rich to hear Newsom describe himself as a victim of politicized justice, a target of partisan investigators combing through “random” documents in search of a crime.

Did he speak up when Joe Biden’s agents went through Melania Trump’s underwear?

Gavin Newsom is not above the law. David Buchan for Ca Post

Did he protest when Rep. — now Sen. — Adam Schiff lied to the country about evidence of “collusion” with Russia?

Did he point out the absurdity of local prosecutors exceeding their authority to accuse Trump of federal crimes, or demanding excessive bail to bankrupt him?

Did he object when people whose only crime was to stroll across the Capitol lawn were treated like violent insurrectionists and hunted down by federal agents?

Did Newsom stand up for parents who were treated like domestic terrorists when they spoke up at school board meetings?

Of course not.

Two wrongs don’t make a right. And if Donald Trump had indeed ordered federal agents to go after Newsom and his family and associates, the governor might have a point.

Anadolu via Getty Images

But the investigation into Newsom’s former chief of staff, Dana Williamson, began during the Biden administration. 

And the new investigation into Newsom and “First Partner” Jennifer Siebel Newsom apparently began after local whistleblowers raised concerns. 

Moreover, Trump was accused of fake crimes.

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We don’t know the details of the Newsom investigation, but what is already in the public domain — the shady “behest payments,” which drew a fine from a state ethics board this week — is bad enough to warrant a closer look.

Newsom is now demanding documents. He wants to know whose idea it was to prosecute him, and for what.

That is the sort of arrogance we have come to expect. Gavin Newsom is presumed innocent, but he should not be presumed to be a victim.

Nor is his wife. Siebel Newsom has inserted herself into a whole range of public issues and controversies. Her nonprofit organization has also accepted the “behest payments” Newsom sought from donors. She is not off limits for criticism and investigation. She is fair game.

The Newsoms were not “born to rule.” Accountability may be unfamiliar in the one-party state of California, but it is a real thing.

Newsom should welcome any investigation. Instead of pleading innocent, he is pleading politics. 

Regardless, the truth is coming. We shall see.