US Vice President JD Vance holds a press conference to discuss the “Anti-Fraud Initiative” in the Indian Treaty Room at the White House complex in Washington, DC, US on May 13, 2026.
Evelyn Hockstein | reuters
Democratic state attorneys general on Tuesday declined an invitation to Vice President J.D. Vance’s anti-fraud initiative roundtable at the White House, citing the fact that they were only invited on Friday, after their Republican counterparts were asked to attend.
The 24 AGs wrote to Vance, “Although we would appreciate the opportunity to engage in serious discussion, the invitation was provided on less than one business day’s notice with no agenda.” Letter Date Tuesday.
“This short notice is inconsistent with the spirit of collaboration that has long defined our joint efforts with federal partners,” the letter said. “Accordingly, we respectfully decline to appear at this time.”
AGs who declined to participate include Keith Ellison of Minnesota, whose state has been the focus of Trump administration actions targeting alleged Medicaid fraud schemes involving day care centers.
Some Democratic AGs scheduled a press conference about the situation for 4:15 p.m. ET Tuesday, about two hours after the roundtable began at the White House.
A person familiar with the situation told CNBC on condition of anonymity because of non-public details of the event that Tuesday’s event was originally planned only for Republican AGs, but Vance personally said it would be a shame if Democrats did not attend. Several Democratic AGs’ offices will be represented at the event by their chief of staff or principal deputy AG, the person said.
politico The decision not to participate was first reported by the Democratic AGs and their letter to Vance, who was appointed by President Donald Trump as the new chairman in March Task force to end fraud.
In addition to Vance, the event is expected to include Federal Trade Commission Chairman Andrew Ferguson, who is vice chair of the task force.
As of Monday, 16 Republican AGs had said they would participate.
In their letter to Vance, the Democratic AGs said, “We are committed to preventing fraud, waste and abuse in all government programs in our states, and are proud of our continued partnership with the federal government in this mission.”
“The social safety net is vital – especially given today’s affordability crisis – and we are dedicated to ensuring that these vital programs operate with integrity and efficiency,” the letter said.
The White House did not comment on the letter.
“With appropriate notice and a genuine opportunity for engagement, we would welcome the opportunity to participate in a future meeting and contribute to a productive dialogue,” the letter said.
Trump’s executive order creating the task force states that it will “target fraud across the broad benefits system for needy citizens that includes housing, food, medical care, cash assistance and more.”
Individual states administer programs that receive federal funding.
“This is exemplified by the staggering fraud and waste in Minnesota alone,” the order said. “Federal prosecutors in the state estimate that Medicaid fraud could run into the billions in recent years. About 9 percent of the approximately $866 million spent on food stamps each year in Minnesota is estimated to be spent in error.”