Why you will be hearing a lot more about fraud before Election Day

Welcome to Thursday’s edition of Washington Secrets. If you thought you were hearing a lot about the Trump administration’s efforts to tackle fraud in government programs, then get set: You’re going to be hearing a lot more about it in the next week and a half. We talk to a top Trump strategist about why that is. And we look at the latest twist in White House relations with the press…

Why you will be hearing a lot more about fraud before Election Day

TL;DR

  • The Trump administration is making efforts to tackle fraud in government programs a central theme for the midterm elections.
  • A $25 million program aims to encourage public reporting of government fraud.
  • Republicans argue the anti-fraud stance protects taxpayers, while Democrats see it as a political ploy.
  • Polling shows voters prioritize cost-of-living issues over fraud, though fraud is seen as important across party lines.
  • The anti-fraud message shows a partisan divide, with higher approval among Republicans.
  • A correction was issued by Politico regarding a story about White House press secretary Katie Zacharia's interview, altering the portrayal of White House chief of staff Susie Wiles' involvement.