FBI infiltrated Newsom's inner circle

Democrat insider Alexis Podesta, 45, secretly recorded conversations during the criminal investigation into Newsom’s then-chief of staff, Dana Williamson.

By Kevin Killough

Published: July 4, 2026 9:30am

Updated: July 4, 2026 10:24am

Prior to expanding its corruption investigation into California Gov. Gavin Newsom and his wife, the FBI had infiltrated Newsom's inner circle.

Democrat insider Alexis Podesta, 45, secretly recorded conversations during the criminal investigation into Newsom’s then-chief of staff, Dana Williamson.

Williamson pleaded guilty to federal fraud and tax charges in May, his lawyer said, the New York Post reported.