Acting Attorney General Todd Blanche on Wednesday refuted claims made by California Governor Gavin Newsom, who alleged that the Justice Department is politically singling him out. Blanche asserted that the governor's statements lack a basis in fact.
Governor Newsom had previously claimed last month that the Justice Department was conducting an investigation into him and his wife, Jennifer Siebel Newsom, asserting that these actions were directed by former President Donald Trump.
While Blanche maintained the standard policy of not commenting on ongoing investigations, he explicitly dismissed the validity of the governor's accusations.
"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 stated during a press briefing.
He added, "He'd have to address that."
Governor's Allegations of Political Motivation
On June 15, Governor Newsom alleged that Trump had personally instructed the Justice Department to investigate him and his spouse, viewing this as an attempt to undermine any potential presidential campaign.
The California governor characterized the inquiry as a politically driven "fishing expedition" orchestrated by Trump's Justice Department, maintaining that he and his wife "have nothing to hide." Newsom further contended that the investigation targets him due to his consideration of a presidential bid, stating, "To get me, he's coming after my wife."
"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 publicly remarked. "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 also rejected the broader way Newsom depicted the situation.
"He can choose to say whatever he thinks helps him," Blanche commented. "It doesn't make it true."
The Justice Department has not issued any public confirmation regarding an investigation involving Governor Newsom or his wife.
Following Blanche's remarks on Wednesday, the governor's office shared a meme on social media accompanied by the caption, "Why you always lyin." Additionally, the governor's press office wrote, "Trump goons know that it’s not a crime to lie to a reporter."
