As allegations of extensive fraud continue to rise in California, the state’s attorney general is firmly rejecting what he calls “baseless claims” from the Trump administration.
California has found itself at the center of the Trump administration’s crackdown on fraud, particularly concerning hospice care facilities. CMS Administrator Dr. Oz has stated that these facilities are responsible for draining billions of tax dollars.
“President Trump is alleging that California is squandering funds when, in fact, our programs support low-income families with essentials like health care, food, and housing,” Attorney General Rob Bonta articulated during a press conference. He characterized the accusations as “partisan political theater” aimed at fostering distrust in California’s government agencies.
Bonta insisted that claims suggesting California is engaged in fraud are inaccurate, asserting, “We are the victims here.”
The attorney general highlighted the successful efforts of the California Department of Justice in recovering almost $3 billion in taxpayer funds through various criminal and civil prosecutions. In terms of hospice fraud, his office is currently handling 24 civil cases while also filing criminal charges against 109 individuals.
Bonta acknowledged the growing scale and complexity of hospice fraud, noting, “We’re prioritizing our efforts to address it.” He criticized President Trump’s claims as “outrageous” and “ridiculous,” emphasizing that this issue does not simply divide blue states from red states.
“Are fraudsters exploiting California, the same way they do in other states? Yes, they are. But the notion that California’s government is complicit is absurd and reflects this president’s tendencies,” Bonta stated. He also took aim at First Assistant U.S. Attorney Bill Esseri and Dr. Oz for misleading the public in a bid for attention.
“For us, this isn’t a political game; it’s about protecting taxpayer dollars and safeguarding the nation,” Bonta concluded.
