Additional Coverage:
California Governor Gavin Newsom fired back over the weekend at Vice President JD Vance, who had criticized Newsom for not taking fraud issues in the state seriously. Vance, a vocal Trump ally, expressed his frustration during an interview on Fox News, saying he wished Newsom would have a “come-to-Jesus moment” and commit to addressing fraud so they could collaborate.
This exchange follows Vance’s announcement of a $1.3 billion deferral in Medicaid funding to California, a move tied to his leadership of a new anti-fraud task force aimed at reclaiming taxpayer dollars to support struggling Americans.
Newsom, frequently targeted by President Trump and Republicans, responded on social media, accusing Vance of spreading falsehoods about California’s efforts. “JD keeps lying about California’s aggressive fight against fraud,” Newsom wrote on X (formerly Twitter).
“We’ve walked the walk with nation-leading fraud prevention and have protected billions. Meanwhile, JD’s boss is pardoning convicted fraudsters and literally stuffing his pockets with YOUR tax dollars.”
Dr. Mehmet Oz, head of the Centers for Medicare and Medicaid Services, defended the deferral as the “largest ever” and claimed the administration had uncovered questionable spending patterns in California’s home care program, which has grown faster than those in other states.
However, Oz did not provide specific evidence of fraud. He urged California to explain the discrepancies.
Newsom’s office rejected these claims, explaining that the program’s growth reflects the state’s efforts to keep more people out of expensive nursing homes. “We hate fraud,” the governor’s spokesperson said on X, “but that’s NOT what this is.”
Newsom also highlighted President Trump’s controversial use of pardons since returning to office in 2025, pointing to at least seven pardons given to individuals convicted of various fraud-related offenses. Among those pardoned were political allies, reality TV personalities, and former politicians convicted of crimes ranging from election fraud to tax evasion and bribery.
Notable examples include former Connecticut Governor John Rowland, convicted of election fraud, and former New York Representative Michael Grimm, who pleaded guilty to felony tax fraud and other charges. Trump also commuted lengthy sentences for convicted fraudsters such as Marian Morgan and Lawrence Duran, both involved in large-scale financial crimes.
The ongoing dispute between Newsom and Vance underscores the broader political battle over fraud allegations, Medicaid funding, and the use of presidential pardons in the current administration.