Fact Sheet: President Donald J. Trump Establishes the Task Force to Eliminate Fraud

On March 17, 2026, President Donald J. Trump signed an Executive Order establishing the Task Force to Eliminate Fraud. Chaired by the Vice President, the task force is charged with coordinating a national strategy to dismantle fraud, waste, and abuse within federal benefit programs such as Medicaid, SNAP (food stamps), and housing assistance.Key highlights of the initiative include:Leadership and Structure: The Vice President serves as Chair, with the Chairman of the Federal Trade Commission (FTC) as Vice Chairman. The task force includes various cabinet secretaries and is supported by a dedicated Executive Director to manage daily operations.Operational Goals: The task force will implement strict eligibility verification, pre-payment controls, and minimum anti-fraud requirements (such as mandatory proof of identity and documentation). It aims to end "self-certification" policies used by some states.Targeting Systemic Vulnerabilities: The administration specifically targets exploitation by illegal aliens, criminal gangs, and "non-governmental organizations." It criticizes several states—including California, New York, Illinois, and Minnesota—for weak oversight and for legal efforts to block federal eligibility reviews.Specific Fraud Cases: The article cites the "Feeding Our Future" scandal and a Somali immigrant childcare fraud ring in Minnesota as primary examples of the "theft" of taxpayer funds that the task force intends to prevent.Broader Enforcement: This move follows several 2025 executive actions aimed at protecting taxpayer resources. Notably, the administration has already paused certain Medicaid funding to Minnesota and established a new National Fraud Enforcement division within the Department of Justice.The administration characterizes the task force as a essential tool to ensure that federal safety-net programs are reserved exclusively for eligible American citizens and to reduce the national debt by eliminating institutionalized waste.