Gov. Mills, Dr. Oz Clash Over Maine Medicaid Investigations

Trump administration cites potential fraud, but Maine leaders say no wrongdoing found

Published on Feb. 9, 2026

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Maine Gov. Janet Mills has accused the Trump administration of using fraud allegations as a 'pretense' for enhanced immigration enforcement after Dr. Mehmet Oz, administrator for the U.S. Centers for Medicare and Medicaid Services, criticized the state's Medicaid program and demanded answers from the governor. Oz cited a January report that outlined potential improper payments for autism support services, but Maine officials say the report did not find or allege fraud.

Why it matters

The clash between Gov. Mills and Dr. Oz highlights ongoing tensions between Democratic-led states and the Trump administration over issues like Medicaid funding and immigration enforcement. The allegations of potential fraud in Maine's Medicaid program could have significant implications for the state's healthcare system and its vulnerable populations.

The details

In a video statement, Oz referred to Medicaid fraud accusations in Minnesota and said 'the same thing appears to be happening in Maine.' Oz said he had sent a letter to the Mills administration requesting information about what state officials are doing to identify and prevent fraud, and warned that CMS is 'ready to take action' if they are not satisfied with the state's response. However, Maine DHHS officials said the Inspector General report 'does not include findings or allegations of fraud' but instead highlighted 'potential documentation and compliance issues.' Gov. Mills accused Oz and the Trump administration of a 'political attack' on Maine, saying the administration is using allegations of fraud as a 'pretense' for immigration enforcement.

  • In January, a U.S. Office of Inspector General report outlined $45 million in potential improper payments for autism support services in Maine's Medicaid program.
  • In December, Maine DHHS suspended Medicaid payments to Portland nonprofit Gateway Community Services after an audit discovered $1.1 million in overpayments in 2021 and 2022.

The players

Janet Mills

The governor of Maine who has accused the Trump administration of using fraud allegations as a 'pretense' for enhanced immigration enforcement.

Dr. Mehmet Oz

The administrator for the U.S. Centers for Medicare and Medicaid Services who has criticized Maine's Medicaid program and demanded answers from Gov. Mills.

Sara Gagne-Holmes

The Maine DHHS commissioner who said the agency 'takes seriously its responsibility to serve as a responsible steward of taxpayer money.'

Gateway Community Services

A Portland nonprofit that had its Medicaid payments suspended by Maine DHHS due to a 'credible allegation of fraud,' which the organization has denied.

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What they’re saying

“Maine also needs to clean up its act.”

— Dr. Mehmet Oz, Administrator, U.S. Centers for Medicare and Medicaid Services (Instagram)

“Let's be clear about what this is: Maine is facing a political attack from a president who uses allegations of fraud as a pretense to send (U.S. Immigration and Customs Enforcement) and other weaponized federal agents into states led by Democrats with devastating consequences.”

— Janet Mills, Governor of Maine (Press statement)

What’s next

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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.