Acting Attorney General Todd Blanche has publicly refuted claims made by California Governor Gavin Newsom that federal investigations into the governor and his wife are acts of political retaliation. Blanche stated Wednesday that he could not comment on pending investigations but asserted that Newsom's allegations were not factually based.
Newsom had previously come forward with the assertion that federal agents had questioned his associates, suggesting that the probe escalated as Blanche was considered for a permanent role as Attorney General. Newsom had stated that former President Donald Trump was targeting him due to his public criticisms and potential presidential aspirations.
Blanche, in his first public remarks on the matter, dismissed Newsom's statements. "He can choose to say whatever he thinks helps him — it doesn’t make it true," Blanche said during a press conference. He added that he was "not sure his words are in any way grounded in fact."
Sources had previously indicated to The California Post that the U.S. Attorney's Office in the Eastern District of California is investigating allegations concerning the taxes of Newsom's wife, Jennifer Siebel Newsom, and inquiries related to his former chief of staff, Dana Williamson, and possibly some current staff members. The investigation reportedly stems from claims brought forward by California whistleblowers.
The news of the probe has coincided with increased scrutiny of the governor's actions in facilitating over $4.4 million in funds from special interests and wealthy individuals to the California Partners Project, an organization associated with Siebel Newsom.
In response to Blanche's comments, the governor's office posted a meme with the caption "Why you always lyin," and stated, "Trump goons know that it's not a crime to lie to a reporter."