US President Donald Trump has warned people involved in fraud that his administration is monitoring them as he called on Congress to introduce tougher penalties for fraud involving Medicare, Medicaid and Social Security.
In a video released from the Oval Office, Trump outlined a two-part legislative proposal targeting fraudsters and public officials who knowingly ignore fraudulent activities.
He said Congress should impose mandatory minimum prison sentences on people convicted of stealing from the government-funded programmes.
Trump also proposed doubling the sentence for convicted fraudsters who are caught committing similar offences for a second time.
The US president said the proposal would also target state and local politicians who knowingly allow fraud to continue despite having the authority to stop it.
Under the proposed legislation, he said officials who deliberately ignore fraud could be held personally liable for the full amount of taxpayers’ money lost as a result.
Trump said the measures were intended to discourage fraudsters and politicians from exploiting programmes meant to support sick people, children, low-income families and retirees.
“So from now on, fraudsters, we’re watching you,” Trump said.
