California AG Bonta Slams Trump's 'Reckless' Fraud Claims

Bonta says state has recovered billions through fraud prosecutions, welcomes federal partnership

Published on Feb. 5, 2026

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California Attorney General Rob Bonta strongly denounced the Trump administration's claims that the state's government is perpetrating or facilitating widespread fraud, calling the rhetoric 'reckless' and 'false'. Bonta said California has recovered nearly $2.7 billion through criminal and civil prosecutions since 2016, including $740 million in Medi-Cal fraud cases and $2 billion under the state's False Claims Act.

Why it matters

The Trump administration's allegations of fraud in California have become a politicized national issue, with Republicans targeting the Democratic-led state. Bonta and other state officials have moved to combat these claims, highlighting the state's efforts to crack down on fraud and recover funds for taxpayers.

The details

Bonta said most states struggle with some fraud from outside actors, but that California's Department of Justice has dedicated significant resources to investigating illicit activities and recovering funds. This includes $740 million recovered through Medi-Cal fraud prosecutions and $2 billion under the state's False Claims Act. State authorities have frequently partnered with the federal government on such investigations and welcome a good-faith partnership in the future.

  • Since 2016, California has recovered nearly $2.7 billion through criminal and civil prosecutions.
  • In the last two years, the state has shuttered around 280 hospices due to fraud.

The players

Rob Bonta

The California Attorney General who denounced the Trump administration's claims of widespread fraud in the state.

Mehmet Oz

The administrator for the Centers for Medicare and Medicaid Services who posted a video accusing Armenian crime groups of carrying out widespread hospice fraud in Los Angeles.

Gavin Newsom

The Governor of California who filed a civil rights complaint against Oz over his 'racially charged and false public statements'.

Adam Schiff

A California Senator who demanded an independent review of Oz's alleged targeting of Armenian American communities.

Ardy Kassakhian

A Glendale City Councilmember who said Oz's statements feed into the Trump administration's playbook of using allegations of fraud to sow racial divisions.

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What they’re saying

“We must not let individuals continue to damage private property in San Francisco.”

— Robert Jenkins, San Francisco resident (San Francisco Chronicle)

“Fifty years is such an accomplishment in San Francisco, especially with the way the city has changed over the years.”

— Gordon Edgar, grocery employee (Instagram)

What’s next

The judge in the case will decide on Tuesday whether or not to allow Walker Reed Quinn out on bail.

The takeaway

This case highlights growing concerns in the community about repeat offenders released on bail, raising questions about bail reform, public safety on SF streets, and if any special laws to govern autonomous vehicles in residential and commercial areas.