Acting AG Todd Blanche says Newsom's DOJ claims are not 'grounded in fact'
California Acting Attorney General Rejects Gov. Newsom’s Assertions of Trump‑Directed DOJ Investigation
In a Wednesday news conference, California’s acting attorney general, Todd Blanche, dismissed Governor Gavin Newsom’s allegations that the federal Justice Department is conducting a politically motivated probe at the behest of former President Donald Trump. Blanche said the governor’s claims are “not grounded in fact,” while refusing to discuss any ongoing investigations.
Newsom had previously declared on June 15 that Trump had directed the DOJ to investigate him and his wife, documentary filmmaker Jennifer Siebel Newsom. The governor has portrayed the inquiry as a “fishing expedition” intended to derail his potential presidential bid, insisting he and his wife “have nothing to hide.” “Donald Trump isn’t just coming after me because of my mean Tweets,” Newsom said, adding that Trump hates the governor’s repeated accusations of lies and deceit. He has labeled Trump the “most corrupt President in American history.”
Blanche responded by saying, “The only thing I’ll say about what he chose to do and what he chose to say is I’m not sure his words are in any way grounded in fact.” He added, “He’d have to address that.” The attorney general also warned that the governor’s narrative “doesn’t make it true,” and that Newsom can say whatever he thinks helps him.
The U.S. Attorney’s Office in Sacramento is handling the matter, which federal sources say has been in progress since 2025 and stems from whistleblower complaints about the personal finances of Newsom and his wife. While the DOJ has not publicly confirmed an investigation targeting either official, federal sources confirm that investigations involving Jennifer Siebel Newsom are underway. The nonprofit organization she runs, The Representation Project, has faced “pay‑for‑play” allegations, with critics suggesting corporate donors seek influence over the governor by supporting the charity.
After Blanche’s remarks, the Newsom office posted a meme on social media reading, “Why you always lyin,” and a statement from the press office claimed, “Trump goons know that it’s not a crime to lie to a reporter.” The governor’s office has not yet issued a formal response to the attorney general’s comments.
No further comment has come from Newsom’s office. The Justice Department has not acknowledged any investigation into the governor or his wife, leaving the accusations and rebuttals to remain unverified.