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Saturday, Jan 10, 2026
Outside the box.
White House Announces New Assistant Attorney General Post to Lead Nationwide Fraud Enforcement
Administration establishes Senate-confirmed role to combat taxpayer fraud with broad jurisdiction and heightened federal focus
The White House has created a new assistant attorney general position dedicated to combating fraud across the United States, a senior U.S. official said, part of an expansive federal initiative to protect taxpayer funds and strengthen legal accountability.
Vice President J.D. Vance announced the Senate-confirmed post during a White House briefing, describing it as a nationwide role with jurisdiction over criminal and civil fraud cases tied to federal programs, benefits and resources and saying a nominee would be named soon.
The position will report directly to the president and the vice president, reflecting the administration’s prioritisation of fiscal integrity and enforcement under the current leadership.
The administration’s announcement follows heightened national attention on alleged large-scale fraud in Minnesota and other states, where federal authorities have spotlighted cases involving misuse of social services and benefits.
Mr. Vance said the new assistant attorney general will work with an interagency task force initially focused on Minnesota but ultimately empowered to pursue fraud cases nationwide, asserting that federal enforcement must be robust to deter deceptive schemes that drain public funds.
The role will lead a new national enforcement division within the Department of Justice tasked with investigating and prosecuting significant, high-impact fraud affecting federal programs, federally funded benefits, businesses, nonprofits and private citizens.
Administration officials have framed the initiative as protecting hard-earned taxpayer dollars, enhancing accountability and safeguarding the integrity of public assistance systems.
House and Senate leaders have signalled support for the creation of the position, and Senate Majority Leader John Thune has pledged swift confirmation once the president’s nominee is submitted.
Vance emphasised that the position’s establishment underscores a commitment to fiscal responsibility and federal oversight while tackling fraud schemes that, according to the administration, threaten public trust.
Vice President J.D. Vance announced the Senate-confirmed post during a White House briefing, describing it as a nationwide role with jurisdiction over criminal and civil fraud cases tied to federal programs, benefits and resources and saying a nominee would be named soon.
The position will report directly to the president and the vice president, reflecting the administration’s prioritisation of fiscal integrity and enforcement under the current leadership.
The administration’s announcement follows heightened national attention on alleged large-scale fraud in Minnesota and other states, where federal authorities have spotlighted cases involving misuse of social services and benefits.
Mr. Vance said the new assistant attorney general will work with an interagency task force initially focused on Minnesota but ultimately empowered to pursue fraud cases nationwide, asserting that federal enforcement must be robust to deter deceptive schemes that drain public funds.
The role will lead a new national enforcement division within the Department of Justice tasked with investigating and prosecuting significant, high-impact fraud affecting federal programs, federally funded benefits, businesses, nonprofits and private citizens.
Administration officials have framed the initiative as protecting hard-earned taxpayer dollars, enhancing accountability and safeguarding the integrity of public assistance systems.
House and Senate leaders have signalled support for the creation of the position, and Senate Majority Leader John Thune has pledged swift confirmation once the president’s nominee is submitted.
Vance emphasised that the position’s establishment underscores a commitment to fiscal responsibility and federal oversight while tackling fraud schemes that, according to the administration, threaten public trust.
