While much of the political world focused on the 2026 midterm preparations and President Trump's return to office, a quieter but potentially more consequential battle raged across state capitals nationwide.

Karoline Leavitt, President-elect Donald Trump's White House Press Secretary, delivered a stark warning about the coming administration's approach to government fraud and waste. Speaking about the massive Minnesota COVID relief fraud case, Leavitt made clear that those who exploit taxpayer dollars will face serious consequences under the new administration.

The Trump administration announced Monday the rollout of a groundbreaking $50 billion Rural Health Transformation Program that will distribute $10 billion annually over five years to strengthen healthcare infrastructure in America's rural communities, with funding allocation partially tied to states' implementation of Make America Healthy Again policy priorities.

A devastating internal audit by the Department of Housing and Urban Development has exposed systemic fraud and mismanagement under the Biden administration, revealing that approximately $5.8 billion in rental assistance payments went to deceased individuals, potential non-citizens, and other questionable recipients during fiscal year 2024.

A federal judge appointed by Barack Obama has blocked West Virginia's pioneering effort to protect children from harmful artificial food additives, siding with a chemical industry trade group over state sovereignty and public health concerns in a ruling that undermines the Make America Healthy Again movement championed by HHS Secretary Robert F. Kennedy Jr.

The Department of Justice issued a critical clarification regarding recently released documents related to the Jeffrey Epstein case, warning that some materials contain demonstrably false and unverified allegations against President Donald Trump that were submitted to the FBI ahead of the 2020 election.