The U.S. Department of Health and Human Services (HHS) Inspector General’s office has launched an investigation into whether individuals detained during President Donald Trump’s intensified crime prevention efforts in Washington, D.C., are fraudulently enrolled in federal benefit programs. This probe, revealed through a government document and sources familiar with the matter, focuses on potential misuse of Medicare, Medicaid, and Temporary Assistance for Needy Families (TANF) programs by those caught in the crackdown. The initiative has diverted federal agents from high-impact cases, raising concerns about resource allocation. Since August 2025, Trump has deployed National Guard troops and federal law enforcement to curb crime in the capital, resulting in over 2,000 arrests. However, it remains unclear if any charges related to benefits fraud have been filed. The investigation also examines individuals questioned or detained but not arrested. Critics argue that involving specialized agents in this effort is inefficient, as it sidelines their expertise in recovering significant funds for the government. The HHS Inspector General’s office declined to comment, citing policy. Meanwhile, the crackdown has led to a notable decline in violent crime in D.C., with a 35% drop in 2024 and an additional 26% reduction in the first seven months of 2025. Trump has expressed plans to replicate this strategy in other cities, starting with Memphis, Tennessee.
Exclusive: US probes people swept up in Trump Washington crackdown for benefits fraud
