A trusted political insider secretly wore an FBI wire to tape her closest friends in California's capitol.

Political insider Alexis Podesta helped federal agents record phone calls across Sacramento before the investigation reached Governor Gavin Newsom.

Trust is everything in politics. In California, that trust just shattered.

WHAT HAPPENED

Federal agents got a top political insider to secretly record her close friends. That insider is Alexis Podesta. She wore a wire to help the FBI.

Her recordings helped build a case against Dana Williamson. Williamson is the governor's former chief of staff. She recently pleaded guilty to tax and bank fraud.

Now, Governor Gavin Newsom says he and his wife are also under federal investigation. He says the case is political payback. But sources say whistleblowers started the probe.

FACT BOX

$225,000*: The amount of campaign money taken in the fraud scheme.

• $61,000: The yearly state pay Podesta still gets on a public board.
• 1: Former chief of staff who pleaded guilty to federal crimes.
• June 2024: When the secret recordings were actively taking place.

WHY IT MATTERS

This probe goes to the very top of California’s government. It makes everyday people lose faith in their leaders.

It also hurts Governor Newsom. He has big plans to run for president one day. A federal probe can ruin those plans.

WHAT HAPPENS NEXT

The FBI is still looking into Newsom, his staff, and his wife's taxes.

More people in the state capitol might face questions. The court will sentence the former chief of staff soon.

WHAT WE STILL DON'T KNOW

1. Who else did the insider record with her secret wire?
2. What did the whistleblowers tell the FBI to start the probe?
3. Will the federal probe lead to charges against the governor or his wife?