President Trump’s administration has launched a major crackdown on healthcare fraud in Minnesota, charging 15 defendants over alleged schemes involving more than $90 million in intended loss. The Justice Department announced the criminal charges on May 21, targeting owners of child care centers and various Medicaid providers implicated in the largest Medicaid fraud cases ever charged in the state and the first-of-its-kind autism fraud scheme prosecuted by federal authorities.

The White House framed the action as part of Vice President JD Vance’s Task Force to Eliminate Fraud—a White House-backed initiative directly tied to the Justice Department’s enforcement efforts. Acting Attorney General Todd Blanche stated: “Today, we are holding scammers accountable who ripped off the American taxpayer and harmed those deserving legitimate assistance from these programs.”

The takedown includes specific allegations of fraud under Medicaid programs and child care services, with the DOJ emphasizing that the prosecutions represent a targeted effort to combat theft of federal benefits. In addition to charging the 15 defendants, the Justice Department announced a significant expansion of its Health Care Fraud Section, allocating resources to hire 15 new Trial Attorneys nationwide to strengthen enforcement against Medicaid fraud.

The crackdown aligns with President Trump’s broader initiative through the National Fraud Enforcement Division established in April, which focuses on investigating and prosecuting those who steal taxpayer dollars. The Department of Justice reports that its Health Care Fraud Strike Force Program has charged over 6,200 defendants since 2007, with these individuals collectively billing federal health programs and private insurers more than $45 billion.

All 15 defendants remain presumed innocent until proven guilty in court. However, the administration’s signal is clear: government assistance programs for vulnerable populations are not intended as piggy banks, and enforcement actions will target frauders at every level.