Justice Department Dispute intensified after Acting Attorney General Todd Blanche rejected California Gov. Gavin Newsom’s claims of political targeting. Blanche said the governor’s allegations lacked factual support. He also declined to discuss any ongoing investigations.
During a Wednesday news conference, Blanche addressed Newsom’s recent statements about the Justice Department. Although he refused to comment on any active investigation, he disputed the governor’s public claims.
Newsom previously alleged that President Donald Trump directed the Justice Department to investigate him and his wife, Jennifer Siebel Newsom. He argued that political motives drove the inquiry. He also claimed officials intended to undermine a possible 2028 presidential campaign.
The California governor described the reported investigation as a political “fishing expedition.” He said neither he nor his wife had anything to hide. Newsom argued that federal officials targeted his family because he has repeatedly criticized Trump. He also said he is considering a presidential campaign.
Newsom further claimed investigators targeted his wife to increase political pressure. He argued that retaliation, not legitimate law enforcement, motivated the reported actions.
Previously reported information indicated that federal officials began the reported investigation in 2025. Whistleblower complaints involving the personal finances of Newsom and Jennifer Siebel Newsom reportedly prompted the inquiry. Officials reportedly assigned the matter to the U.S. Attorney’s Office in Sacramento.
Federal sources confirmed investigations involving Jennifer Siebel Newsom. However, those same sources said investigators have not directly targeted Gov. Newsom.
The Justice Department has not publicly confirmed any investigation involving the governor or his wife.
Jennifer Siebel Newsom is a documentary filmmaker and leads The Representation Project. The nonprofit promotes gender equality through media. Previous allegations claimed corporations with California business interests donated to the organization to gain influence with the governor. Those allegations remain part of the broader public discussion.
In an earlier statement, Jennifer Siebel Newsom criticized the reported federal actions. She accused President Trump of targeting political opponents. She also said she and the governor would continue expressing their views because Americans deserve better leadership.
After Blanche made his remarks, the governor’s office posted a meme on social media with the caption, “Why you always lyin.” The governor’s press office also said lying to a reporter is not a crime. It criticized what it described as false claims from the administration.
Justice Department Dispute continues as both sides reject each other’s claims. Federal authorities have not announced charges. They also have not publicly confirmed an investigation involving Gov. Newsom. As a result, significant questions remain unanswered.
