Acting U.S.Attorney General Todd Blanche declined to answer questions on June 15, 2026, regarding whether the Department of Justice is investigating California Governor Gavin Newsom.The exchange occurred during a photo opportunity before Blanche's confirmation meeting with Senate Judiciary Committee Chairman Chuck Grassley.

When reporters attempted to question Blanche about the matter, Grassley interrupted and stated that the event was not a news conference, preventing further discussion on the topic.Earlier that day, Newsom publicly announced that he and his wife, Jennifer Siebel Newsom, were under investigation by the Department of Justice.

The California governor characterized the inquiry as politically motivated and alleged that federal authorities were attempting to find evidence of wrongdoing despite not having identified any specific crime.

Newsom suggested that the investigation could be linked to speculation about a possible 2028 presidential campaign and his long-standing criticism of President Donald Trump.

The article also notes that Blanche has been serving as acting attorney general since the dismissal of former Attorney General Pam Bondi in April 2026.

Before joining the Justice Department, Blanche served as Trump's personal criminal defense attorney, a connection that has drawn scrutiny from Democratic lawmakers who argue it may present potential conflicts of interest.

Blanche was formally nominated for the position on June 8, 2026, and his confirmation process remains uncertain, with some Republican senators reportedly undecided about supporting his nomination.The reported investigation into Newsom has therefore become an additional point of attention during the ongoing confirmation debate.