Newsom Hires Prominent Litigator Abbe Lowell To Fight Doj Probe

Gavin Newsom has retained prominent defense lawyer Abbe Lowell to represent him as federal investigators probe the California governor's circle, according to two people familiar with the arrangement.

The Democratic governor hired Lowell to represent him and first partner Jennifer Siebel Newsom in a private capacity, according to the people, who were granted anonymity to discuss the hiring. A representative for Newsom declined to comment and a representative for Lowell did not respond to a request for comment.

The hiring of Lowell, who for years has represented some of Washington’s highest-profile figures, speaks to the politically explosive nature of the Department of Justice’s investigation, which Newsom has slammed as a baseless act of retribution — and a continuation of Trump’s history of targeting political opponents.

Many of those foes are also Lowell clients, including Hunter Biden, New York Attorney General Letitia James and Federal Reserve Governor Lisa Cook — a roster that has cemented Lowell’s status as the go-to lawyer for people under Trump administration scrutiny.

Newsom has accused Trump of targeting him because he is exploring a presidential bid. Acting Attorney General Todd Blanche brushed off that claim earlier this month.

“I’m not sure his words are in any way grounded in fact,” Blanche told reporters. 

A person familiar with the multi-pronged investigation said it originated in California and has examined Newsom’s former chief of staff, who pleaded guilty to federal corruption charges this year, and Siebel Newsom’s finances. No one is known to have been indicted in the latest probe.

The Newsom administration has accused the administration of a fishing expedition, saying federal investigators have subpoenaed or questioned numerous people connected to the governor or the first partner and sought business records.

Kyle Cheney contributed reporting.