The White House announced a new Department of Justice “national fraud enforcement” division to focus on large-scale fraud affecting federal programs, businesses and private citizens. Critics warn of political misuse while the administration says the unit will coordinate high-impact fraud investigations and prosecutions nationwide.

The Trump administration said on Jan. 9, 2026 it will establish a Department of Justice national fraud enforcement division designed to prioritize and coordinate major fraud investigations and prosecutions that cross state lines and affect federal programs, businesses and private citizens. Administration officials framed the new division as a tool to centralize expertise and resources to tackle complex schemes, including alleged misuse of welfare and benefit programs, pandemic-era scams, and large investment frauds. The announcement followed increased federal scrutiny of benefit programs and a string of high-profile enforcement actions. Supporters argue the division could improve case selection, asset freezes and cross-jurisdiction cooperation; critics contend the unit risks political targeting and selective enforcement. DOJ officials said the division will work with U.S. attorneys’ offices, federal agencies, and international partners to pursue high-impact matters and recover stolen funds. The creation of the division signals an intensified federal enforcement posture on fraud across sectors, while oversight and structural details, including leadership and budget, were not fully disclosed in the initial announcement.