Vice President JD Vance has called on the Department of Justice to investigate and prosecute alleged fraud involving gender-affirming medical procedures performed on minors. In a letter to Attorney General Todd Blanche, Vance highlighted a recent HHS report that accuses certain hospitals and providers of pushing these treatments on children primarily for financial gain.

The report details claims that facilities billed insurers and government programs for procedures including puberty blockers, cross-sex hormones, and surgeries while allegedly misleading families about the risks and long-term outcomes. Vance argued that such actions constitute criminal fraud and warrant federal prosecution.

This development builds on prior DOJ actions under the Trump administration. Earlier in 2026, the department secured settlements with hospitals such as Texas Children's Hospital, which agreed to pay over $10 million in penalties and cease providing these interventions to minors. Similar resolutions have been reached with other facilities, including Connecticut Children's Medical Center.

The administration has maintained that these medical interventions on minors often involve experimental uses of drugs not approved for such purposes and has directed agencies to prioritize enforcement against deceptive practices. Vance's letter emphasizes holding accountable any providers who intentionally misrepresented evidence to secure payments or consents.

Critics of the treatments have long pointed to European reviews, such as those from the UK's Cass Review, that found weak evidence supporting routine use in adolescents. Supporters of the interventions argue they are medically necessary, though recent federal scrutiny has focused on billing practices and informed consent issues.

Vance's referral comes as the administration continues broader efforts to restrict federal funding of these procedures for those under 18. The DOJ has issued subpoenas to multiple clinics in recent months as part of ongoing investigations.