Trump’s fraud squad is hobbled by internal strife
The White House’s demand for a crackdown targeting Medicare and other taxpayer programs is setting off a turf war in the Justice Department.
President Trump's new Fraud Enforcement Squad, established by Vice President JD Vance, is facing internal challenges that could hinder its effectiveness in cracking down on federal fund fraud. The division, led by 38-year-old Colin McDonald, has struggled to recruit prosecutors and has been slowed by an internal power struggle. Some promising investigations have languished due to the feud between McDonald's new unit and an older fraud unit.
The rift led to some prosecutors reclaiming cases they had worked on previously, causing delays in the division's initial enforcement actions. McDonald has faced criticism from White House officials who believe he should be producing more criminal cases and arrests. Despite the challenges, McDonald's team has made some progress, securing more resources and promising to bring cases faster with access to better data analytics and investigative support.
One ongoing case involves global consulting firm Accenture, where prosecutors are seeking a criminal settlement with the company to resolve a probe into alleged fraudulent cybersecurity claims made by a former employee.
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