Acting AG Blanche Dismisses Newsom’s Political Targeting Claims

Clear Facts

• Acting Attorney General Todd Blanche rejected California Gov. Gavin Newsom’s claims that the DOJ is politically targeting him, stating the assertions are not “grounded in fact”
• Newsom previously claimed President Trump ordered investigations into him and his wife Jennifer Siebel Newsom as part of a political vendetta
• Federal sources confirmed investigations involving Jennifer Siebel Newsom’s nonprofit organization, but no confirmed federal investigation directly targets the governor himself

Acting Attorney General Todd Blanche delivered a sharp rebuke Wednesday to California Gov. Gavin Newsom’s allegations of political persecution by the Justice Department. Blanche stated plainly that Newsom’s claims lack factual foundation.

The acting attorney general was responding to Newsom’s June assertions that President Donald Trump had personally directed DOJ investigations into both the governor and his wife, Jennifer Siebel Newsom. While declining to comment on any ongoing investigations, Blanche made clear his position on the governor’s public statements.

“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,” Blanche said during a news conference.

“He’d have to address that,” Blanche added.

Newsom claimed on June 15 that Trump had weaponized the Justice Department against him to derail a potential presidential campaign. The California governor characterized the investigation as a politically motivated “fishing expedition,” insisting he and his wife have “nothing to hide.”

“Donald Trump isn’t just coming after me because of my mean Tweets. He’s coming after me because I am considering running for President,” Newsom said.

“Because he hates that I’ve consistently called him out – over and over again – for his lies and deceit. Donald Trump is simply the most corrupt President in American history.”

Blanche rejected this characterization entirely, maintaining his focus on facts rather than political rhetoric.

“He can choose to say whatever he thinks helps him,” Blanche said. “It doesn’t make it true.”

According to sources familiar with the matter, investigations have been ongoing since 2025 based on whistleblower complaints related to Newsom and his wife’s personal finances. The U.S. Attorney’s Office in Sacramento is handling the matter.

Federal sources confirmed to multiple outlets that investigations involving Jennifer Siebel Newsom are active. However, no federal investigation directly targeting Gov. Newsom himself has been confirmed. The Justice Department has not publicly acknowledged any investigation involving either Newsom or his wife.

Jennifer Siebel Newsom operates The Representation Project, a nonprofit organization focused on advancing feminist causes through media production. The charity has previously faced “pay-for-play” allegations, with critics asserting that corporations with business interests in California made donations to gain influence with the governor.

“There are clearly no boundaries to what Donald Trump will do to get his way or to challenge those who get in his way. This is not presidential behavior, and the Governor and I will continue to speak truth to power because the American people deserve so much more,” Jennifer Siebel Newsom said in a statement.

Following Blanche’s Wednesday remarks, Newsom’s office responded on social media with a meme captioned “Why you always lyin.” The governor’s press office added, “Trump goons know that it’s not a crime to lie to a reporter.”

The exchange highlights the continuing tensions between California’s Democratic leadership and the Trump administration. While Newsom positions himself as a resistance figure potentially eyeing a presidential run, the Justice Department maintains its investigations follow proper procedures based on credible complaints.

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