FBI planted a mole in Newsom's circle
A Democratic insider secretly recorded conversations for the FBI from June 2024 as a corruption probe grew to reach California Governor Gavin Newsom and his wife, a defense lawyer reveals.
- Alexis Podesta wore a wire during the case against Dana Williamson, Newsom's former chief of staff, says Williamson's attorney McGregor Scott, himself a former US attorney.
- Williamson pleaded guilty to federal fraud and tax charges in May. The wire, first reported by the New York Post, explains the FBI letters that stunned California insiders last fall: their calls had been intercepted.
- Newsom announced last month that he, his wife, and members of his inner circle are under federal investigation. Hours later he emailed a fundraising appeal.
Why it mattersThe governor of America's largest state says a federal investigation now reaches him and his wife. The FBI was inside his political orbit for two years before anyone knew.
Court record, US v. Williamson… ↗ · Jul 5, 2026 · ✓ Checked