MS NOW segment frames Trump DOJ probes of Newsom, Carroll, others as retribution
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Topics in This Edition
Summary
Segment opens with Gavin Newsom's public statement accusing the Trump DOJ of targeting him and his wife Jennifer Siebel Newsom over tax filings and nonprofits tied to her work, part of a broader 'hit list' of critics. It expands to reports of probes into E. Jean Carroll for alleged perjury, John Brennan and Jim Comey over the 2016 Russia assessment, and mentions of others like Cassidy Hutchinson and ActBlue. Guests include NYT reporter Glenn Thrush, NYU professor Melissa Murray, former pardon attorney Liz Oyer, and Sen. Adam Schiff, all discussing timelines coinciding with Todd Blanche's role at DOJ and alleged political motivations.
Editorial Assessment
The broadcast accurately reports that investigations exist and have been announced or leaked in recent days/weeks, but it consistently frames them as meritless political payback without presenting evidence of their substantive basis or acknowledging that some originated in field offices or predated the current administration. Sourcing is uniformly critical of the DOJ; no administration officials or defenders appear. Context is missing on the outcomes of prior reviews (Durham, Senate Intelligence Committee) that largely upheld the Russia assessment conclusions. Viewers receive a partisan narrative rather than balanced reporting on the legal and factual underpinnings of the cases.
Key Moments
Trump directed DOJ to investigate Newsom and wife over taxes/nonprofits starting early 2025
Newsom's June 2026 statement and contemporaneous reporting from NYT, CalMatters, NBC confirm probes in Eastern District of California, though origins and exact directives disputed
DOJ opened perjury investigation into E. Jean Carroll over lawsuit funding disclosure
CNN and CBS reporting from May 2026 details probe out of Northern District of Illinois focused on 2022 deposition; some office denial but sources reaffirmed
Investigations into Brennan and Comey stem from new CIA review of 2016 assessment
Ratcliffe referral reported; prior Durham probe and bipartisan Senate Intel Committee (Rubio) found no politicization or manipulation of findings
Todd Blanche fast-tracked probes as audition for AG role
Timing overlaps with Blanche's acting role and nomination, but no direct evidence presented of personal 'audition' beyond speculation
Notable Concerns
- One-sided guest selection and framing
- Limited exploration of independent investigative origins or possible merits
Sources Consulted
- Newsom Says Trump’s Justice Department Is Investigating Him and His Wife
- Gavin Newsom and his wife under investigation by Trump's Justice Department
- Newsom accuses Trump of directing politically motivated DOJ probe into him and wife
- Newsom says DOJ conducting baseless investigation of him and wife at Trump's direction
- California Gov. Gavin Newsom says Department of Justice is investigating him and wife
- Justice Department launches a criminal investigation into E. Jean Carroll
- DOJ launches criminal probe into E. Jean Carroll, source says
- DOJ investigates E. Jean Carroll over potential perjury in Trump civil cases
- John Brennan, James Comey being investigated by FBI
- Trump Officials Take Steps to Target Comey and Brennan, Who Investigated Trump
- Ex-FBI Director Comey and ex-CIA Director Brennan are under investigation by Trump Justice Department
- Trump administration investigating Comey, Brennan over Russia probe