US Vice President JD Vance revealed that the Trump administration is establishing a new assistant attorney general role with nationwide jurisdiction to oversee fraud investigations. This initiative, starting in Minnesota, will expand to cover the entire country. Vance emphasized the focus on combating large-scale fraud related to public benefits and social services programs, particularly in Minneapolis.
The administration has launched a significant interagency task force to address the identified fraud, with a particular emphasis on tackling SNAP fraud. Over 1,500 subpoenas have been issued by the Department of Justice to target the core of the fraudulent activities, resulting in nearly 100 indictments, primarily involving Somali immigrants. Vance highlighted that the fraud issue extends beyond Minnesota to states like Ohio and California.
Acknowledging the swift action taken, Vance praised Attorney General Pam Bondi for promptly establishing the new position. He mentioned the intention to nominate a candidate for the role in the coming days, with expectations of a prompt confirmation process. The newly created position, which operates under the supervision of the president and vice president, is positioned as a functional equivalent to a special counsel, equipped with necessary resources and authority.
The designated official will be integrated into a comprehensive interagency effort within the White House to enhance effectiveness through access to resources and information. Vance outlined the temporary nature of the role, indicating that it will persist until a thorough investigation is conducted. The assistant attorneys general at the Justice Department typically oversee significant divisions and handle specific portfolios aligned with national enforcement priorities.
