Trump Administration Announces New DOJ Division to Combat Fraud Nationwide

WASHINGTON D.C  (VINnews) — The Trump administration announced Thursday the creation of a new Division for National Fraud Enforcement within the Department of Justice, aimed at addressing what the White House described as a “rampant and pervasive problem of fraud” across the United States.

The new division will enforce federal criminal and civil laws against fraud targeting government programs, federally funded benefits, businesses, nonprofits and private citizens nationwide, according to a White House fact sheet.

A newly appointed assistant attorney general will lead the division. This official will oversee investigations and prosecutions, coordinate multi-district and multi-agency efforts, provide guidance to U.S. attorneys’ offices on fraud matters, and collaborate with federal agencies to dismantle sophisticated fraud schemes.

The assistant attorney general will also set national enforcement priorities, propose legislative and regulatory reforms to address vulnerabilities, and advise the attorney general and deputy attorney general on high-impact fraud cases and related policies.

Vice President JD Vance highlighted the initiative during a White House briefing, noting that efforts will initially focus on Minnesota — where federal prosecutors have pursued numerous cases involving alleged abuse of state-administered benefit programs — before expanding nationwide.

The announcement comes amid ongoing federal investigations in Minnesota, including programs such as Feeding Our Future and others tied to child nutrition, Medicaid and housing assistance. The Justice Department has charged dozens in related cases, with many convictions already secured.The White House said the division will build on recent actions, including surges in prosecutorial resources and interagency coordination to combat fraud in federally funded programs.