Democratic AGs snub Vance’s White House anti-fraud roundtable

Democratic state attorneys general rejected an invitation from Vice President J.D. Vance for a roundtable discussion on anti-fraud initiatives at the White House on Tuesday, arguing that they were only invited on Friday, just days after their Republican counterparts were asked to attend.

“While we welcome the opportunity to engage in serious discussions, the invitation was delivered in less than a business day without an agenda,” the 24 AG wrote in a letter to Vance on Tuesday. he wrote.

“This short notice is inconsistent with the spirit of collaboration that has long defined our joint efforts with federal partners,” the letter said. “Accordingly, we respectfully decline to participate at this time.”

Among the AGs who declined to participate is Minnesota’s Keith Ellison, whose state has been the focus of Trump administration actions targeting alleged Medicaid fraud involving daycares.

Some of the Democratic AGs have scheduled a press conference on the situation for 4:15 p.m. ET on Tuesday, about two hours after the roundtable is scheduled to begin at the White House.

A person familiar with the situation, speaking on condition of anonymity about nonpublic details of the event, told CNBC that Tuesday’s event was originally planned for Republican AGs only, but Vance himself said it would be a shame if Democrats didn’t attend. Multiple Democratic AGs’ offices will be represented at the event by their chiefs of staff or chief deputy AGs, this person said.

Policy The Democratic AGs’ decision not to participate and their letter were first reported to Vance, whom President Donald Trump appointed as the new chairman of the board in March. Task Force to Eliminate Fraud.

In addition to Vance, Federal Trade Commission Chairman Andrew Ferguson, who is vice chairman of the working group, is also expected to attend the event.

As of Monday, 16 Republican AGs had said they would attend.

“We are committed to stopping fraud, waste, and abuse in all government programs in our states, and we are proud of our continued partnership with the federal government in this mission,” the Democratic AGs said in their letter to Vance.

“The social safety net is critically important — especially given today’s affordability crisis — and we are committed to ensuring these important programs operate with integrity and efficiency,” the letter said.

The White House did not comment on the letter.

“With appropriate notice and the opportunity for genuine participation, we would welcome the chance to attend a future meeting and contribute to a productive dialogue,” the letter said.

Trump’s executive order creating the task force said it would target fraud “in the vast welfare system for needy citizens, including housing, food, medical care, cash assistance and more.”

Individual states administer programs that receive federal funding.

“The staggering fraud and waste in Minnesota alone is an example of this,” the ruling said. “Federal prosecutors in the state estimate that Medicaid fraud in recent years may total billions of dollars. Of the approximately $866 million spent on food stamps each year in Minnesota, it is estimated that about 9 percent was spent in error.”