California Fraud Concerns
Are we talking about Governor Gavin Newsom’s ambitions for the presidency or the alarming levels of fraud in the state he governs? Maybe it’s a bit of both.
Whenever Team Trump points to California’s issues, Newsom usually responds with denial or shifts the blame back onto his critics. This tactic might not be the best approach. Instead of sidestepping, the governor ought to face difficult questions about how fraud has become so prevalent in California during his leadership.
Recently, shortly after a federal investigation into fraud in Southern California, the lead federal prosecutor in Los Angeles indicated to Fox News that Newsom is overseeing an investigation into vast amounts—hundreds of billions—of fraudulent activity.
Bill Ezeiri, a U.S. attorney for California, stated, “There’s a reason I call him the Fraud King. Here in California, we haven’t taken fraud seriously for over a decade. These schemes can only thrive because California has handed out the necessary licenses.” Poor oversight has made it astonishingly easy for scammers to set up fake facilities that bill Medicare for inappropriate services, essentially robbing federal taxpayers.
A recent investigation revealed signs of trouble, like vacant storefronts and offices that are either non-existent or falsely attributed to multiple end-of-life care facilities.
So, how has Newsom responded? A spokesperson described these claims as “absolutely bullish from top to bottom,” insisting California is committed to fighting fraud and calling for federal support in those efforts.
In a different statement, Newsom’s office expressed hope that the federal government was finally joining the fight, noting steps the state has taken, including suspending over 280 licenses and stopping new ones starting in 2022. However, there’s a lingering question: Would President Trump grant pardons to any involved, since he has done so for others?
This rhetoric suggests a lack of real seriousness about the fraudulent activities occurring. From dismissing issues as “total nonsense” to joking about state actions, these responses seem more evasive than earnest. Though the statement regarding the suspension of licenses hints at the problem, it doesn’t truly confront the scandal head-on.
Real questions linger. How is it possible for this multibillion-dollar fraud to transpire under Newsom’s watch? Why was this not an issue during his predecessor’s term?
Why did departments like the Public Health Department, which is supposed to oversee hospice operations, fail to act on evident warning signs? For instance, why were 89 hospice companies listed at a single address in Van Nuys?
If the state is supposedly working to eradicate wrongdoing, why does so much fraud still exist? There’s a lot to unpack here, yet it seems Team Newsom is reluctant to provide answers. Instead, we hear insults, diversions, and an air of resentment.
Ezeiri criticized governors for their inaction on enforcing fraud regulations, suggesting they “don’t want to own the problem.”
Newsom might have legitimate ambitions for the presidency. However, voters should reflect on the fact that serious fraud has been overlooked in California for years. By the looks of it, he still isn’t taking it seriously enough.
