Acting Attorney General Todd Blanche stated Wednesday that California Governor Gavin Newsom's claims of a politically motivated investigation by the Justice Department are not "grounded in fact." Newsom had asserted that President Donald Trump directed the Justice Department to investigate him and his wife, Jennifer Siebel Newsom, in an effort to undermine a potential presidential campaign.
Blanche declined to comment on any specific ongoing investigations but directly addressed Newsom'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 added, "He'd have to address that."
Newsom first made the allegations on June 15, describing the inquiry as a politically motivated "fishing expedition" orchestrated by Trump's Justice Department. The California governor stated that he and his wife "have nothing to hide" and suggested the investigation was initiated because he is considering a presidential run. "To get me, he's coming after my wife," Newsom said at the time. He also characterized Trump as "the most corrupt President in American history."
Blanche pushed back on Newsom's broader characterization of the situation, stating, "He can choose to say whatever he thinks helps him. It doesn't make it true."
Sources previously informed Fox News that the investigation has been underway since 2025 and stems from whistleblower complaints concerning the personal finances of Newsom and his wife. The matter is reportedly being handled by the U.S. Attorney's Office in Sacramento. Federal sources confirmed to Fox News that investigations involving Jennifer Siebel Newsom are occurring, though no federal investigation directly targeting Governor Newsom himself has been learned of.
The Justice Department has not publicly confirmed any investigation involving either Newsom or his wife. Jennifer Siebel Newsom is a documentary filmmaker and co-founder of The Representation Project, a nonprofit organization focused on advancing feminism. Fox News Digital previously reported on allegations that the charity faced "pay-for-play" accusations, with critics claiming corporations with business interests in California donated to the organization seeking to influence Newsom.
Following Blanche's remarks, Newsom's office posted a meme on social media with the caption, "Why you always lyin." The governor's press office also stated, "Trump goons know that it’s not a crime to lie to a reporter."