Trump Nominates Federal Prosecutor to Lead New National Fraud Enforcement Division
US President Donald Trump has nominated federal prosecutor Colin McDonald for a newly created senior position within the Justice Department, specifically designed to combat what the administration characterizes as extensive fraud involving federal resources. The announcement, made on Wednesday, marks a significant development in the administration's efforts to address alleged misappropriation of taxpayer funds across various government programs.
Creation of a New Anti-Fraud Position
The nomination would establish Colin McDonald as the inaugural Assistant Attorney General for National Fraud Enforcement, pending confirmation by the Senate. This newly created role carries substantial authority to investigate and prosecute cases of alleged fraud involving federal taxpayer dollars throughout the United States. The position represents a strategic move by the Trump administration to intensify oversight of federal spending and crack down on fraudulent activities that drain public resources.
President Trump revealed the nomination through a statement on his Truth Social platform, framing the new position as part of a broader initiative to restore integrity to federal programs and hold fraudsters accountable. In his announcement, Trump emphasized his administration's commitment to ending what he described as systematic theft from American taxpayers.
Trump's Statement on the Nomination
"I am pleased to nominate Colin McDonald to serve as the first ever Assistant Attorney General for National FRAUD Enforcement, a new Division at the Department of Justice, which I created to catch and stop FRAUDSTERS that have been STEALING from the American People. My Administration has uncovered Fraud schemes in States like Minnesota and California, where these thieves have stolen Hundreds of Billions of Taxpayer Dollars. Colin McDonald is a very Smart, Tough, and Highly Respected AMERICA FIRST Federal Prosecutor who has successfully delivered Justice in some of the most difficult and high stakes cases our Country has ever seen. Together, we will END THE FRAUD, and RESTORE INTEGRITY to our Federal Programs. Congratulations Colin — STOP THE SCAMS!"
While the White House has not yet provided detailed operational parameters for the new division, senior officials have indicated it will concentrate on alleged fraud within federally funded programs. This includes social services initiatives and pandemic relief efforts, areas where significant federal resources have been allocated in recent years.
Who Is Colin McDonald?
Although not a nationally recognized figure, Colin McDonald has earned considerable respect within federal law enforcement circles as a determined and effective prosecutor, particularly in complex public corruption cases. His career trajectory demonstrates a consistent pattern of taking on challenging assignments and achieving successful outcomes.
One of McDonald's most notable achievements came in 2020 when he played a pivotal role in securing convictions in one of Hawaii's most high-profile law enforcement scandals. The case involved former Honolulu Police Chief Louis Kealoha, his wife and city prosecutor Katherine Kealoha, along with two police officers, who were convicted for framing an innocent individual to conceal their own criminal activities.
The Hawaii Corruption Case
The Kealohas were found guilty of false arrest and obstruction of justice after abusing their authority to have a family member arrested under false pretenses. Prosecutors successfully argued that the arrest was orchestrated to discredit the relative and conceal the couple's theft of $148,000 from an elderly family member. This case showcased McDonald's ability to navigate complex legal terrain and hold powerful figures accountable within the justice system.
Following their convictions, the four defendants received substantial prison sentences ranging from 42 to 156 months. During sentencing proceedings, prosecutors detailed how the stolen funds financed extravagant spending, including:
- Elton John concert tickets
- Payments for Mercedes and Maserati vehicles
- A Disneyland holiday
- A $23,976 brunch bill
This high-stakes prosecution solidified McDonald's reputation as a capable prosecutor willing to confront influential individuals within the justice establishment.
Current Role and Reporting Structure
Colin McDonald currently serves as associate deputy attorney general, reporting to Deputy Attorney General Todd Blanche. His professional background includes federal prosecutorial roles in Southern California and Hawaii between 2014 and 2025, providing him with diverse experience across different judicial districts.
If confirmed by the Senate, McDonald would operate outside traditional Justice Department reporting lines. Unlike most senior DOJ officials who report through established departmental hierarchies, McDonald would report directly to President Trump and Vice President JD Vance. This structural departure has prompted questions among legal observers about potential implications for institutional independence and oversight mechanisms within the Justice Department.
Endorsements and Support
Vice President JD Vance, who formally announced the new role earlier this month, offered strong praise for McDonald's qualifications and professional background. "Colin McDonald is widely regarded as a thorough and highly competent attorney. He has an exceptional prosecutorial track record, which we look forward to seeing him put to use in his new role as Assistant Attorney General."
Attorney General Pam Bondi also endorsed the nomination, highlighting McDonald's experience and standing within the department. "McDonald is doing outstanding work at the Department of Justice and will continue to be an invaluable asset on our team. His experience makes him perfectly suited to help lead the charge on dismantling criminal fraud networks and halting the theft of taxpayer dollars."
Former Southern California US Attorney Robert Brewer, who supervised McDonald during Trump's first term, described him as a principled and effective public servant. "I assigned him to a very difficult public corruption case in Hawaii that seriously needed his organizational and legal skills. As expected, he was invaluable in resolving the case in a most favorable way. Mr. McDonald is exceedingly bright, dedicated and is a great leader. The American people can trust his judgment, his ethics and will be proud of his work."
Uncertainty Surrounding the Fraud Mandate
Despite the strong endorsements from administration officials and former supervisors, the precise scope and operational parameters of the new National Fraud Enforcement division remain undefined. Legal analysts have noted that the proposed breadth of authority—combined with the direct reporting structure to the White House—could represent a significant departure from conventional Justice Department practices and protocols.
The creation of this new position raises important questions about how fraud enforcement will be prioritized and coordinated across existing Justice Department divisions, and how the new division will interact with other federal agencies involved in fraud detection and prevention. As the nomination moves toward Senate consideration, these operational details will likely receive increased scrutiny from lawmakers and legal experts concerned about maintaining appropriate checks and balances within the federal justice system.
