Authoritarians target wives and children because it works. Trump is no different

Key Points:

• The Trump-era Department of Justice has a history of targeting individuals who oppose or displease former President Trump, now seemingly extending its reach to political rivals' families, including Jennifer Siebel Newsom, wife of Governor Gavin Newsom.
• The investigation into Siebel Newsom, though unconfirmed officially, is viewed by experts like Harvard professor Steven Levitsky as a preemptive, authoritarian tactic aimed at undermining a viable challenger to Trump in the 2028 presidential race.
• Right-wing media have long targeted Siebel Newsom for her documentary work on female empowerment and gender norms, painting her efforts as part of a "woke" agenda, fueling political and cultural attacks against her.
• Newsom’s office revealed that family associates have been contacted by federal investigators, likely focusing on Siebel Newsom's nonprofit and film activities, which critics link to ideological influence in schools and potential tax issues.
• In response, the Newsoms have publicly challenged Trump to focus on them directly rather than involving family members, emphasizing the importance of resisting authoritarian overreach and maintaining democratic integrity.