Trump Administration Increases Fraud Crackdown Efforts

The Trump administration is intensifying its campaign against fraud, dubbed the ‘war on fraud.’ This initiative has been highlighted by independent journalist Nick Shirley’s Senate testimony regarding the widespread misuse of taxpayer money. Assistant Attorney General Colin McDonald announced the recovery of over $1 billion from trade fraud activities.

Dr. Oz has joined the anti-fraud efforts, exposing millions in Medicaid funds stolen through fraudulent operations in NYC adult daycare centers. These activities underscore the widespread nature of fraudulent schemes in the nation.

FIRST ON FOX: A Pennsylvania woman, who defrauded the federal government of $1.7 million in FEMA funds after Hurricane Ida, received a five-year prison sentence, according to the Justice Department. This comes as the Trump administration ramps up its crackdown on fraud.

Jasmine Williams, a 34-year-old from Plymouth Meeting, admitted guilt last year to 32 charges related to fraud, including major disaster declaration fraud, wire fraud, and mail fraud.

“Under President Trump’s leadership and Secretary Markwayne Mullin’s direction, FEMA actively roots out fraud in disaster aid,” stated Lauren Bis, DHS Assistant Secretary, to Fox News Digital. “We strive to protect taxpayer dollars and ensure that disaster assistance reaches those in need. Anyone attempting theft from survivors will face accountability.”

The Trump administration has also frozen funds for a vacation hotspot over alleged hurricane-aid abuses, further emphasizing its anti-fraud priorities.

In response to Hurricane Ida’s impact on eastern Pennsylvania, President Joe Biden declared a disaster in September 2021. Williams orchestrated a scheme soliciting renters, homeowners, and the homeless to submit fraudulent applications to FEMA for nearly 200 individuals. These submissions included fake documents, such as leases, landlord letters, utility bills, earning statements, and home repair estimates.

Williams used social media to recruit participants by advertising assistance with FEMA benefits applications. As part of her fraud, she demanded half of any payout, accumulating hundreds of thousands of dollars. When a participant failed to pay, Williams retaliated by posting their personal details on social media, along with a video criticizing the person for withholding the 50% cut. She also solicited images of damaged properties on social media to support her fraudulent applications.

In fiscal year 2025, FEMA identified more than 1,700 fraud cases. Williams’ conviction comes amid the Trump administration’s heightened focus on addressing fraud and fiscal misuse.