Vice President JD Vance traveled to Maine on Thursday, focusing on the Trump administration’s efforts to combat fraud, ahead of the state’s primary elections for several high-profile races.
Vance, who was appointed by Donald Trump to chair an anti-fraud task force, asserted that the misuse of government social programs is not a victimless crime, but rather a detriment to every American taxpayer.
“You are the first victim of fraud,” Vance told the assembled crowd, with signs nearby proclaiming “PROTECTING TAXPAYER DOLLARS” and “FIGHTING FRAUDSTERS.”
The vice president, widely considered a potential Republican candidate for president in 2028, has been actively promoting the task force’s work while campaigning for Republican candidates in recent months.
However, Thursday’s visit marked the first time an appearance was explicitly billed as a discussion on fraud-fighting initiatives, diverging from the economic-focused message he has delivered on other occasions.
Vance’s advocacy for Donald Trump’s economic policies has reportedly faced increased scrutiny following the Iran war, which has contributed to rising costs for gas and other essential goods, including food.
The visit to Maine follows an earlier call from Centers for Medicare and Medicaid Services Administrator Dr. Mehmet Oz for corrective action regarding alleged fraud in government health programs within the state.
Maine’s Democratic Gov. Janet Mills characterized Oz’s request as a “political attack.” The timing also coincides with Maine residents beginning to cast their votes ahead of the state’s primary elections on June 9, when they will select candidates for governor, the U.S. Senate, and the U.S. House.
Governor Mills, who is term-limited and cannot seek a third term, recently withdrew from the Democratic primary race to challenge Republican Senator Susan Collins, effectively clearing the path for progressive activist and oyster farmer Graham Platner to secure the nomination.
This Senate seat is regarded as one of the most competitive nationally and crucial to Democratic aspirations of regaining control of the chamber.
Republicans express confidence in their prospects of reclaiming the 2nd Congressional District, which includes Bangor, after Democratic Representative Jared Golden announced he would not seek re-election. Former Governor Paul LePage, a Trump ally aiming for a political comeback, is the sole Republican contender for the nomination.
Vance presented LePage as a partner in his anti-fraud endeavors, telling the crowd on Thursday that: “Fraud has festered in Maine because this guy is no longer the governor of Maine.” He also commended Senator Collins for her independence and lack of partisanship.
“Sometimes I get frustrated with Susan Collins. I almost wish she was more partisan,” Vance remarked. “If she was as partisan as I wish she was, she would not be a good fit for the people of Maine.” LePage was present at Thursday’s event, while Collins was scheduled to be in Washington.
Before Vance’s arrival, LePage informed the crowd that if elected to represent Maine’s 2nd Congressional District, he would collaborate with the Trump administration to intensify efforts against fraud in social safety programs, which he described as rampant in his state. “The American people are done being taken for a ride. It’s time for the Maine people and the Maine taxpayer to be put front and center,” he told a crowd of several hundred at Bangor International Airport.
In the gubernatorial race, seven Republicans and five Democrats are vying to succeed Governor Mills, who has previously clashed with the Trump administration over the issue of transgender athletes in high school sports.
Some Maine Democrats have leveraged Vance’s appearance to bolster their own campaign messages. Progressive groups had planned a demonstration in Bangor to coincide with the visit, and Maine Secretary of State and gubernatorial candidate Shenna Bellows indicated her intention to speak at it. Nirav Shah, the former Maine Center for Disease Control and Prevention director now running for governor, stated in an email to supporters and media that Vance was visiting Maine at a time when the costs of necessities like heating oil and gas are surging in the state.
“That is the record JD Vance is bringing to Maine on Thursday. That is the record the Maine Republicans hosting him are ‘honored’ to celebrate,” Shah said.
Maine is predominantly a Democratic state, yet Donald Trump has demonstrated popularity in rural areas, having won the 2nd District in three consecutive elections.
Governor Mills had made her opposition to Donald Trump a central theme of her Senate campaign against Collins until she suspended her campaign in late April, thereby clearing the path for Platner to secure the nomination. Vance previously visited northern New England in March 2025, when he traveled to Vermont for a family vacation, an appearance that drew protests near a ski resort.
