Democratic state attorneys general declined an invitation to Vice President JD Vance's anti-fraud initiatives roundtable at the White House on May 26, 2026. They cited the late invitation, received on the preceding Friday, as insufficient notice to prepare for the event. In a letter dated May 26, the 24 attorneys general expressed their appreciation for the opportunity but noted that the short notice did not align with the collaborative spirit of their previous engagements with federal partners.
Among those who declined was Keith Ellison of Minnesota, where Medicaid fraud schemes have been a focus of federal scrutiny. Some Democratic attorneys general planned a press conference at 4:15 p.m. ET on the same day as the roundtable.
A source familiar with the planning indicated that the event was initially intended for Republican attorneys general, but Vice President Vance encouraged broader participation. He emphasized the non-partisan nature of the effort, stating, "Everybody should care about fraud. Everybody should care about rooting out fraud."
The event also featured Federal Trade Commission Chairman Andrew Ferguson and White House advisor Stephen Miller. Sixteen Republican attorneys general confirmed their attendance.
Vance highlighted the administration's fraud prevention initiatives, reporting significant recoveries, including over $22 billion in fraudulent small business loans and $1.3 billion in fraudulent Medicaid reimbursements. The Democratic attorneys general reiterated their commitment to combating fraud and ensuring the integrity of government programs in their letter.
The White House did not comment on the letter but the Democratic attorneys general expressed willingness to participate in future discussions with adequate notice and an agenda.