Trump Seeks Mandatory Jail Terms for Fraudsters Targeting Americans

US President Donald Trump has called for tougher penalties for people who defraud Americans through federal benefit programmes, including mandatory prison sentences.

Trump made the call while unveiling a proposed legislative package targeting fraud involving programmes such as Medicare, Medicaid and Social Security.

Under the proposal, people convicted of defrauding the programmes would no longer be eligible for probation, while the length of prison sentences would be determined by the amount of money stolen. Repeat offenders would also face longer sentences.

Trump said the proposed measures were aimed at deterring individuals from stealing taxpayers’ money and ensuring that those involved in fraud faced significant consequences.

He also proposed measures targeting state and local politicians who knowingly allow fraud to continue despite having the authority to stop it.

Under the proposal, officials who knowingly fail to act against fraud could be held personally liable for the amount of taxpayers’ money lost, according to Trump.

The US President said the measures were intended to increase accountability among both fraudsters and public officials responsible for overseeing government-funded programmes.

The proposal comes as US authorities intensify efforts to combat fraud involving federal benefit programmes.

In June, the US Justice Department announced charges against 455 defendants in its 2026 National Health Care Fraud Takedown, involving more than $6.5 billion in alleged fraudulent claims linked to healthcare and opioid-related schemes.

Trump said the proposed legislation would make potential offenders reconsider attempts to defraud the government, warning that those who steal from Americans would face prison sentences based on the scale of their offences.