Trump administration intensifies nationwide fraud crackdown
The Trump administration is widening its campaign against government fraud, with officials pointing to new efforts to recover misspent taxpayer money and expose abuse across federal programs. Independent journalist Nick Shirley recently testified before the Senate about alleged misuse of public funds, while Assistant Attorney General Colin McDonald said more than $1 billion has been clawed back in trade fraud cases. Dr. Oz has also joined the broader crackdown, spotlighting claims that fraudulent adult daycare operations in New York City siphoned millions from Medicaid, a case officials say reflects a larger national challenge.
Jasmine Williams, a 34-year-old resident of Plymouth Meeting, Pennsylvania, admitted guilt last year to 32 criminal counts, including fraud tied to a federal disaster declaration, wire fraud and mail fraud.
Department of Homeland Security Assistant Secretary Lauren Bis told INC News exclusively that FEMA, under the leadership of President Donald Trump and Secretary Markwayne Mullin, is intensifying its efforts to identify and eliminate fraud in disaster relief programs.
Bis said the goal is to safeguard taxpayer funds while ensuring that disaster aid reaches survivors who genuinely qualify for assistance. She added that people who attempt to steal relief money from victims will be found and held responsible.
A blue tarp bearing the FEMA logo covers the roof of a home more than a week after Hurricane Irma came ashore. A Pennsylvania woman received a five-year prison sentence for defrauding FEMA after the storm. (Chip Somodevilla/Getty Images)
The case traces back to September 2021, when then-President Joe Biden approved a disaster declaration after the remnants of Hurricane Ida caused widespread damage across much of eastern Pennsylvania.
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According to authorities, Williams brought others into the scheme, targeting renters, homeowners and people experiencing homelessness. Prosecutors said she filed false FEMA applications for nearly 200 individuals, using fabricated leases, landlord letters, utility bills, income documents and home repair estimates.
Investigators said Williams found many of the participants through social media, where she promoted herself as someone who could help people apply for FEMA disaster benefits.
President Joe Biden speaks during a virtual Hurricane Ida briefing at the White House in Washington, D.C., on Monday, Aug. 30, 2021. Biden vowed to continue providing federal support after Hurricane Ida made landfall south of New Orleans and left more than a million homes and businesses without power. (Bloomberg via Getty Images)
As part of the fraud, she requested half of the payout for herself, amassing hundreds of thousands of dollars.
When one person involved in the scheme didn’t pay her, Williams posted that person’s personal information on social media, officials said.
She also posted a video criticizing the person for not paying the 50% Williams charged.
Williams additionally used social media to solicit images of damaged homes to submit in support of her fraudulent applications, federal prosecutors said.
In fiscal year 2025, FEMA identified more than 1,700 fraud cases.
Williams’ sentence came as the Trump administration has prioritized combating fraud and waste.
