Gov. Gavin Newsom instructed his state-funded legal advisor to issue a FOIA request on his personal criminal matter
Today, CA State Assemblymember Carl DeMaio is requesting that an investigation be opened by state law enforcement agencies into whether Governor Gavin Newsom improperly used taxpayer funds to defend himself in the federal criminal probe that was revealed this week.
In a letter sent to State Attorney General Rob Bonta and the Fair Political Practices Commission (FPPC), DeMaio requested a review of the Governor’s Office’s reported use of state personnel, legal counsel, and other public resources to prepare and submit a federal Freedom of Information Act (FOIA) request related to an alleged investigation involving Governor Newsom and First Partner Jennifer Siebel Newsom.
DeMaio notes that the Governor and his wife are allegedly being investigated for their personal conduct – not actions they took in their government roles.
“It is illegal for Gavin Newsom to use taxpayer-funded staff and resources to defend a criminal probe into his personal matters,” DeMaio notes.
“Newsom should immediately reimburse taxpayers for any government staff time spent on the FOIA request and should instead hire a private criminal defense attorney with his personal funds to handle this matter going forward,” DeMaio adds.
DeMaio’s letter asks state officials to investigate and make an official determination as to whether the actions of the Governor’s Office were authorized under California law and whether the FOIA request served a legitimate governmental purpose or primarily advanced personal or political interests.
Assemblymember DeMaio is available for interviews regarding his request for an investigation.
Read Full Letter HERE