Exclusive | Jennifer Siebel Newsoms nonprofit network faces legal questions amid federal investigation

When Gov.Gavin Newsom declared that federal investigators were targeting his wife as retaliation for his battles with the Trump administration, he offered a familiar defense: Cast the powerful as victims and hope no one looks too closely behind the curtain.His wife, Jennifer Siebel Newsom — who uses the title “First Partner” — was described by the governor as someone who has “dedicated her life to supporting women and girls,” portraying her work as charitable and separate from his political career.A closer look tells a more complicated story.Legal experts who spoke to The California Post said at least one of Siebel Newsom’s nonprofits — and its financial relationship with her for-profit production company — raises significant questions about compliance with federal tax-exempt charity laws.Federal investigators based in Sacramento are examining Siebel Newsom’s nonprofits, tax matters and other undisclosed activities.Siebel Newsom oversees two nonprofits: The Representation Project, which produces documentary films and educational materials, and the California Partners Project, which focuses on gender equity initiatives.Two of her documentaries — “Miss Representation: Rise Up” and “The Great American Lie” — feature the governor providing political commentary.

Accompanying classroom materials encourage middle school, high school and college students to participate in civic and political activism.In “The Great American Lie,” Newsom appears five times delivering political messages, according to research by OpenTheBooks.com, including: “We’re not bystanders in this world, we have the ability to step up and solve big problems, we have done that in the past, it’s just a question of prioritization, of political will.”One accompanying curriculum asks students: “What other actions can you take at a community level to reduce inequality?”The lesson continues: “Register to vote, if you’re not already registered.Then vote for c...