WASHINGTON D.C, January 8, 2026 – Vice President JD Vance announced the creation of a new Assistant Attorney General position dedicated to investigating and prosecuting fraud in federal taxpayer-funded programs, with an initial focus on Minnesota but nationwide jurisdiction.
Speaking from the White House podium on January 8, Vance highlighted ongoing fraud in childcare and food assistance programs, stating that such benefits “should go to American citizens” and not be exploited by fraudsters, including references to Somali immigrants in Minnesota cases.
“If you’re a young parent struggling to afford childcare in the United States of America, there are programs that we have to make it easier for your kids to get in daycare, for your kids to get in preschool,” Vance said. “Those programs should go to American citizens, not be defrauded by Somali immigrants and others.”
He emphasized that fraud not only diverts resources from needy families but also unfairly benefits those “who shouldn’t even be in this country.”
The new role will coordinate an expanded interagency task force, building on existing efforts that include over 1,500 Department of Justice subpoenas targeting fraud rings, primarily in Minneapolis but also in states like Ohio. Vance described the initiative as part of the Trump administration’s commitment to protect taxpayer dollars, including SNAP (food benefits) fraud prevention through the Department of Agriculture.
The announcement comes amid long-running federal investigations into Minnesota’s child nutrition programs, where prosecutors allege hundreds of millions of dollars were fraudulently claimed during the COVID-19 pandemic, including through the Feeding Our Future nonprofit and related entities. Multiple defendants have already been convicted in connection with the scandal.
The White House shared a video clip of Vance’s remarks on X, captioning it: “@VP Vance announces decisive action to crack down on fraud in Minnesota and nationwide. The Trump Admin is launching a new DOJ division to PROTECT American taxpayer dollars — and make sure they go where they belong.”
During the same briefing, Vance also addressed a separate incident involving a fatal ICE shooting in Minneapolis, defending the agent involved, though the posted clip focused solely on the fraud initiative.
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