Trump is not playing games with any fraudsters.
The Trump administration is rolling out a sweeping new federal initiative aimed at cracking down on fraud that officials say is costing American taxpayers billions of dollars each year.
Vice President JD Vance announced Thursday that a newly formed interagency task force will focus on identifying, investigating, and prosecuting fraud cases nationwide. As part of the effort, the Justice Department will establish a new associate attorney general position dedicated exclusively to fraud enforcement.
Vance said the administration expects to announce a nominee for the role within the next several days.
“This position is about accountability,” Vance said. “It’s about making sure the American people are no longer taken advantage of by organized fraud operations.”
According to Vance, the Justice Department has already taken aggressive action, issuing more than 1,500 subpoenas and securing over 100 indictments tied to fraud-related investigations. The new task force is intended to expand those efforts and improve coordination across federal agencies.
He emphasized that fraud is not limited to one region of the country.
“This is not a localized issue,” Vance explained. “We’re seeing it in major cities and smaller communities alike—from Minnesota to Ohio to California.”
The announcement was made during a Thursday briefing alongside White House Press Secretary Karoline Leavitt.
Earlier in the briefing, Leavitt reaffirmed the administration’s firm support for federal immigration officers and other law enforcement personnel carrying out their duties across the country. She addressed a recent officer-involved shooting in Minnesota, describing it as part of a broader pattern of hostility directed at federal officers.
Leavitt characterized the incident as an organized effort to interfere with lawful enforcement operations, stating that such actions place officers and the public at serious risk.
Homeland Security Secretary Kristi Noem previously stated that the individual involved, 37-year-old Renee Nicole Good, attempted to use her vehicle to obstruct officers and ignored repeated commands to comply. According to Noem, federal agents had been dealing with interference throughout the day before the situation escalated.
Federal authorities have classified the incident as domestic terrorism, citing the alleged intent to disrupt law enforcement operations through force.
Later Thursday, Vance addressed public criticism surrounding the incident in a post on X, rejecting claims that the officer involved was not in danger. He described such arguments as misleading and disconnected from the realities faced by officers in the field.
“The facts matter,” Vance wrote. “This officer was performing his duties. Interference escalated the situation, and the consequences were tragic.”
Vance acknowledged the seriousness of the loss of life while emphasizing that responsibility lies with those who attempt to obstruct or undermine federal law enforcement.
The administration says the newly announced task force reflects a broader commitment to restoring accountability, strengthening public safety, and ensuring that federal laws are enforced consistently nationwide.
