Trump's Fraud Crackdown Targets Political Foes, States Say

The White House has escalated an anti-fraud campaign that it says aims to protect taxpayer dollars, seizing on a federal inquiry in Minnesota and announcing freezes and reviews of billions in funds for programs such as child care, housing and food assistance.

State officials and some former inspectors general say the effort has been used as a tool of political retribution, pointing to the administration’s focus on states led by Democrats, public pardons for allies charged in fraud cases and cuts to offices that historically investigate wrongdoing. Several Democratic-led states have sued over demands for detailed SNAP records and other actions.

Court challenges have at times checked the administration’s moves, and critics note federal data show fraud affects both red and blue states. The White House says it remains committed to stopping fraud, while opponents describe the pattern as legally dubious and politically motivated.

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