January 8, 2026policy changeexecutive powerprosecutorial independenceDOJ structurefraud enforcementexecutive powerrule of lawseparation of powers
Trump creates National Fraud Enforcement Division under White House control
The Trump White House announced the National Fraud Enforcement Division (NFED) on January 8, 2026 — a new DOJ unit structured to report directly to President Trump and Vice President Vance rather than through the Attorney General. Trump nominated career prosecutor Colin McDonald on January 28, 2026 as the inaugural Assistant Attorney General, repurposing the vacant Tax Division AAG slot to circumvent the statutory 11-AAG cap under 28 U.S.C. § 506. The Senate confirmed McDonald 52-47 on March 24, 2026 on a strict party-line vote.
Sources
Fact Sheet: President Donald J. Trump Establishes New Department of Justice Division for National Fraud EnforcementWhite House Fraud Section: Key QuestionsTrump fraud czar investigator prosecutor White House politicalWhite House Unveils Landmark Initiative: New DOJ Fraud Division to Be Directly Overseen by Administration