Trump Investigating Democrat Governor?
Republican Rep. Elise Stefanik of New York is calling on federal authorities to intensify their investigation into a controversial Medicaid home care contract awarded under Gov. Kathy Hochul’s administration, citing newly uncovered emails that raise serious questions about the integrity of the bidding process.
In a December 9 letter to U.S. Attorney General Pam Bondi, Stefanik requested swift and transparent action after documents suggested state officials met privately with executives from the eventual contract winner before competitive bidding was authorized.
Emails Raise Questions About Fairness of $1 Billion Medicaid Contract
According to records first reported by the New York Post, an April 4, 2024 email from Amanda Lothrop — the chief operating officer for Medicaid at New York’s Department of Health — shows senior state officials scheduling a virtual meeting with representatives from Public Partnerships LLC (PPL), a Georgia-based company.
PPL later secured a Medicaid-related contract estimated at $1 billion, making the timing of the meeting a focal point of concern.
The email was released through a Freedom of Information Law request by the Empire Center for Public Policy and invited PPL executives to participate in a discussion with Lothrop and three additional state officials.
“Thank you for taking the time to connect,” Lothrop wrote. “We look forward to continuing the discussion regarding your experience and New York’s considerations.”
Meeting Allegedly Occurred Before Bidding Was Approved
Stefanik noted that the correspondence suggests the meeting took place roughly two weeks before lawmakers formally approved the bidding process — and well before PPL was selected to manage payroll services tied to the Consumer Directed Personal Assistance Program (CDPAP).
CDPAP allows Medicaid recipients with disabilities to choose their own caregivers, often family members or trusted individuals, with compensation paid through Medicaid. The program impacts more than $11 billion in taxpayer-funded spending and serves hundreds of thousands of vulnerable New Yorkers.
Stefanik Calls for Transparency and Federal Oversight
“As the Department of Justice continues its inquiry, I respectfully urge your office to ensure that this investigation proceeds with urgency, transparency, and the full weight of federal oversight,” Stefanik wrote.
She emphasized that the size of the contract, the population affected, and what she described as a growing pattern of opacity within the Hochul administration demand a thorough and impartial review.
“When billions of taxpayer dollars and critical care for disabled Americans are at stake, the public deserves clear answers and full accountability,” Stefanik added.
Political Stakes Rising Ahead of 2026 Governor’s Race
Stefanik represents New York’s 21st Congressional District and is widely expected to challenge Gov. Hochul in next year’s gubernatorial election, making government ethics, Medicaid oversight, and transparency central issues in the race.
The Justice Department has not publicly commented on the status of the investigation.
