Gavin Newsom Goes MIA Amid Bombshell Probe

California Gov. Gavin Newsom has suddenly become far more camera-shy as questions swirl around federal investigations involving him and his wife, Jennifer Siebel Newsom.

The media-savvy Democrat, long known for lengthy press conferences, televised speeches and carefully cultivated national exposure, has kept a noticeably lower public profile since June 15, when he announced in a prerecorded social media video that he and the first partner were under investigation by the Justice Department.

Since then, the governor appears to have traded unpredictable encounters with reporters for tightly scripted videos, polished productions and controlled appearances where difficult questions can be avoided.

Newsom, who is widely viewed as a potential future presidential candidate, has traditionally embraced the spotlight. He has frequently held public events and media availabilities on everything from wildfires and homelessness to California’s budget and his repeated clashes with Republican leaders.

But following the investigation announcement, the governor’s public strategy has changed dramatically.

Rather than standing before reporters, Newsom has increasingly relied on professionally produced videos distributed through his office and social media accounts.

“Newsom certainly isn’t the only politician to use digital media to establish absolute message control,” Dan Schnur, a professor of political communications at the University of Southern California and the University of California, Berkeley, told The Post.

“But he may be one of the most aggressive officeholders in the way he uses these tools.”

Newsom revealed on June 15 that President Donald Trump’s Justice Department was investigating him and Siebel Newsom, claiming the probes were part of a politically motivated “fishing expedition.”

A source told The Post that Siebel Newsom’s taxes were among the matters being examined.

However, the governor and his wife have provided few new details about the investigation, leaving Californians with more questions than answers.

Newsom has also largely avoided discussing Dana Williamson, his former chief of staff, who pleaded guilty in a corruption scheme and is scheduled to be sentenced on Sept. 17.

Schnur suggested there may be little political benefit in allowing reporters to press Newsom on the controversy.

“I’m not sure I’d be all that excited about him answering questions about that,” he said.

“Even if, as he claims, he is completely unaware of any of this activity, there is no good sound bite on this topic that can possibly come out of an interview or news conference.”

Newsom’s carefully controlled Independence Day address only intensified questions about his strategy.

On July 4, the governor released an eight-minute video filmed inside the Governor’s Mansion in Sacramento. The production featured multiple camera angles, cinematic lighting and polished editing.

There was no live audience, no press corps and no opportunity for reporters to question him.

The comments were also disabled on the version uploaded to YouTube.

Instead of delivering a traditional message celebrating the nation’s independence, Newsom devoted much of the speech to attacking Trump.

He called the president “corrupt and unstable” and accused the Trump administration of attempting to undermine American democracy.

Newsom also announced a proposal that would make it a felony to seize ballots before election results are certified.

The address allowed the governor to make sweeping accusations against Trump without facing any immediate scrutiny over the federal investigation surrounding his own family.

Days earlier, Newsom appeared in another self-produced video while touring the set of Academy Award-winning director Ang Lee’s upcoming movie, “Gold Mountain.”

The visit was used to promote California’s expanded film and television tax credit program.

The sudden preference for controlled video productions marks a sharp departure for a governor who has routinely allowed reporters to question him about subjects unrelated to his scheduled appearances.

Even routine bill signings and policy announcements have historically included media availabilities.

Schnur said Newsom’s position as both a sitting governor and a possible presidential contender gives him the ability to bypass traditional media while still attracting national attention.

“Newsom has two jobs: he’s the governor, and he’s a potential presidential candidate,” Schnur said.

“Sitting governors can do this because they know a video that they post online will get news coverage and public attention. Presidential candidates don’t have that luxury. They have to engage with voters and reporters.”

Newsom’s office did not respond to an email asking whether the governor had intentionally reduced his live press appearances or whether the federal investigation had affected his public schedule.

For now, Newsom appears determined to keep his public appearances polished, controlled and safely beyond the reach of unscripted questions.

“It may be that Newsom is hoping that these stories will become old news by the time reporters get another crack at them,” Schnur said.