The Trump administration’s effort to root out fraud, waste and abuse in government programs reached Long Island this week as Vice President JD Vance highlighted a federal lawsuit against New York State alleging widespread problems in the administration of Medicaid.
The lawsuit is part of a broader national initiative launched by President Trump and spearheaded by Vance to scrutinize public assistance spending in states with some of the nation’s largest Medicaid budgets.
Administration officials have pointed to major fraud investigations in Minnesota as evidence that tighter oversight is needed and have identified Democrat-led states such as New York and California as key targets because of the enormous amount of taxpayer dollars flowing through their programs.
Federal officials contend New York’s Medicaid system has become vulnerable to waste, abuse and improper spending practices. State officials have denied wrongdoing and defended the program, which provides health coverage to millions of low-income residents, seniors and disabled individuals.
The issue came directly to Long Island during an event at Gold Coast Studios in Bethpage that was billed as focusing on crime and fraud. However, the gathering quickly took on a political tone as Vance launched a blistering attack on Democratic Congressman Tom Suozzi, whose 3rd Congressional District seat is expected to be a top Republican target this fall.
Vance called Suozzi “the worst congressman in the entire United States of America” and urged voters to support Republican Mike LiPetri, who narrowly lost to Suozzi in 2024 and is seeking a rematch after securing support from local Republican leaders and President Trump.
“So from one vice president to the people of New York’s 3rd Congressional District: What I am asking you is to kick crazy Tom Suozzi the hell out of Washington,” Vance said.
Suozzi fired back after the event, calling the vice president “a phony, childish, amateurish liar” and challenging him to a debate. He also questioned whether taxpayer resources were used for what he characterized as a campaign-style event.
The exchange underscored how a federal investigation into Medicaid spending has quickly become a flashpoint in New York’s political battles heading into November’s elections.