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Gavin Newsom and the curious California world of ‘behested payments’

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Gavin Newsom claimed on social media Monday that President Donald Trump had ordered the Department of Justice (DOJ) to investigate him.

The New York Times confirmed later that the DOJ has been questioning “friends and associates” of the governor and “first partner” Jennifer Siebel Newsom.

The governor claims that the investigation is politically motivated, “because I am considering running for president.”

Is that all there is? Not so fast.

In March, The California Post reported that the governor had funneled millions of dollars to a non-profit organization founded by his wife through what are called “behested payments.”

“Behested payments” are a curious California institution. They are donations that politicians solicit on behalf of nonprofit organizations.

These payments used to remain in the shadows. Thanks to ethics reforms in 2021, donations........

© New York Post