President Trump has named Vice-President JD Vance as a "fraud czar" to lead a crackdown on alleged wrongdoing in Democratic-led states, prompting arrests in California. A US F-15E was shot down over Iran; one crew member was rescued and a search for the other is ongoing. Other developments include the dismissal of Pam Bondi, a multi-state lawsuit over a mail-in voting order, a proposed defense spending surge, and Artemis II passing 100,000 miles from Earth.
Trump Taps JD Vance as 'Fraud Czar' to Target Blue States — Arrests Reported in California
JD Vance, the vice-president, looks on from behind president Donald Trump during an event at the Roosevelt Room of the White House.Photograph: Kent Nishimura/Reuters(Photograph: Kent Nishimura/Reuters)
Donald Trump has assigned Vice-President JD Vance to lead a new administration effort to crack down on alleged fraud in Democratic-led states, dubbing him the administration's "fraud czar." Officials quickly followed the announcement with a series of arrests in California.
Fraud Crackdown And Political Claims
In a Truth Social post on Friday, the president said Vance was now "in charge of 'fraud' in the United States," calling the problem "massive and pervasive." Trump named California, Illinois, Minnesota, Maine and New York as primary targets and asserted — without providing evidence — that the scale of alleged fraud could "literally" balance the federal budget if fully addressed. The administration has highlighted alleged healthcare fraud in southern California and said most cases in the recent enforcement wave, under an initiative dubbed "Operation Never Say Die," were tied to that region.
Military Incident Over Iran
Separately, US officials reported that a US F-15E Strike Eagle was shot down over Iran. One service member was rescued, and a search continued for the second crew member. Authorities described the episode as the first of its kind since the recent escalation of hostilities in the region.
Personnel Moves And Criticism
Trump dismissed Pam Bondi from her post as attorney general on Thursday, a move critics said reinforced concerns about the administration's treatment of women after the earlier removal of Kristi Noem as homeland security secretary. Officials cited frustration with Bondi's handling of files related to convicted sex offender Jeffrey Epstein among reasons for the change.
Legal And Political Pushback
More than 20 Democratic state attorneys general filed suit on Friday challenging an executive order that seeks to restrict who may receive mail-in or absentee ballots. The order directs the United States Postal Service not to send ballots to people who are not included on a pre-established list of eligible voters; challengers argue the measure would unlawfully disenfranchise eligible citizens.
Budget, DHS Order And Other Headlines
The administration proposed a budget that would push defense spending to its highest level in decades while cutting other federal programs by roughly 10%. On the same day, Trump signed an executive order ensuring Department of Homeland Security employees continue to receive pay and benefits during a partial agency shutdown.
Additional Developments
Reports emerged that Supreme Court Justice Samuel Alito was taken to a hospital after becoming ill at a Federalist Society dinner in March, renewing speculation about potential future vacancies on the court. A drone manufacturer backed by the president's two oldest sons has reportedly been marketing products to Gulf countries amid regional conflict. Body-camera footage of Tiger Woods's recent DUI arrest shows the golfer appearing surprised when handcuffed and saying he had spoken to "the president" on the phone. In space news, the four astronauts on the Artemis II mission passed 100,000 miles from Earth as they head toward the moon.
Note: Several claims in the administration's announcements were made without supporting evidence as presented publicly; reporting on arrests and legal actions is ongoing.
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