'Not grounded in fact': Todd Blanche rejects Gavin Newsom's political targeting claim

WASHINGTON, DC: Acting Attorney General Todd Blanche publicly dismissed California Gov. Gavin Newsom's claims that he and his wife are being investigated as an act of political retaliation by the Trump administration, telling reporters Wednesday that Newsom's statements were "not in any way grounded in fact."

Speaking at a news conference, Blanche said he could not comment on any pending investigations but made clear he did not accept Newsom's characterization of the reported probe.

Todd Blanche rejects Gavin Newsom's political targeting claim

"The only thing I'll say about what he chose to do and what he chose to say is that I'm not sure his words are in any way grounded in fact," Blanche said.

"He'd have to address that." He added, "He can choose to say whatever he thinks helps him — it doesn't make it true."

Newsom himself was the first to publicly disclose news of the reported federal investigation last month, claiming federal agents had questioned his family, friends, and employees. He framed the reported probe as a politically motivated attack tied to his prospects as a 2028 presidential contender.

"Donald Trump isn't just coming after me because of my mean tweets, he's coming after me because I'm considering running for president, because he hates that I've consistently called him out over and over again for his lies and deceit," Newsom said at the time.

His office had also suggested the reported investigation intensified around the same time Blanche was being considered for the attorney general role on a permanent basis, implying the timing was not coincidental.

In response to Blanche's Wednesday remarks, the governor's office posted a meme with the caption "Why you always lyin," and added in a statement, "Trump goons know that it's not a crime to lie to a reporter."

Reported investigation centers on Jennifer Siebel Newsom's taxes and former chief of staff

Sources previously told The California Post that the US Attorney's Office in the Eastern District of California is investigating claims made by California whistleblowers about Jennifer Siebel Newsom's taxes, as well as those of former chief of staff Dana Williamson and possibly some current staff members.

The reported investigation has brought attention to more than $4.4 million that special interests and wealthy individuals funneled to California Partners Project, a nonprofit organization led by Siebel Newsom.

The organization focuses on issues such as gender equity and children's well-being and has received large donations from California businesses that have dealings with the state.

Newsom, who has been vocal about his differences with the Trump administration on everything from immigration to climate policy, has not ruled out a presidential run in 2028.