The Department of Justice (DOJ) has launched a new task force in collaboration with the Department of Government Efficiency (DOGE) to investigate and prosecute individuals engaged in fraudulent activities. This significant initiative, announced by Attorney General Pam Bondi, is a response to the extensive fraud identified within government programs, much of which was brought to light by DOGE.
During a Cabinet meeting on Monday, Bondi expressed her appreciation for DOGE and its leader, Elon Musk, for their efforts in revealing corruption and inefficiencies. She underscored the commitment of the DOJ’s new task force to eradicate fraud and ensure accountability for those involved.
“There is a significant amount of fraud, and Elon, I appreciate your partnership and your team’s efforts. You have exposed a great deal of fraud within our government. We will take action against those responsible. We now have an internal task force collaborating with every agency represented here,” Bondi stated on Monday. The attorney general made it clear that the DOJ will vigorously pursue fraudsters to ensure they face justice. “If you have committed fraud, we are coming for you.”
She further remarked: “Regarding violent crime, thanks to President Trump’s directive, we are once again pursuing the death penalty. All of these violent criminals you hear about across the nation will face federal death penalty charges.” She added: “Drug dealers need to be aware that we are targeting you!”
This initiative builds upon ongoing efforts to improve accountability within federal programs. The DOGE Subcommittee has already identified billions of dollars lost to fraud and improper payments, highlighting significant weaknesses in government payment systems. Since its inception, DOGE has implemented various cost-saving measures across federal agencies. For instance, the Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) has canceled over 400 grants related to Diversity, Equity, and Inclusion (DEI) and Environmental Justice, resulting in substantial savings.
Nonetheless, DOGE has encountered legal obstacles. A federal judge has issued a temporary injunction preventing DOGE from accessing the Social Security Administration’s systems, which hold personal information of millions of Americans, due to concerns regarding “fishing expeditions” in the pursuit of fraud. In addition, 19 states have initiated a lawsuit aimed at blocking DOGE from accessing the Treasury Department’s payment systems, resulting in a preliminary injunction.
The Department of Justice (DOJ) is actively engaged in these legal proceedings. Assistant Attorney General Gail Slater has announced a review of spending on external consultants within the DOJ’s Antitrust Division, aligning with DOGE’s objectives for cost reduction. Moreover, federal prosecutor Edward Martin has cautioned that there may be legal repercussions for individuals who hinder DOGE’s initiatives.
