Vice President JD Vance traveled to Maine on Thursday, focusing on the Trump administration’s anti-fraud initiatives ahead of the state’s primary elections for several high-profile races. The visit comes as the Iran war has driven up prices for gas and other essentials, drawing criticism that Vance is ignoring economic concerns.
Anti-Fraud Task Force in Focus
Vance, appointed by Donald Trump to chair an anti-fraud task force, asserted that misuse of government social programs harms every American taxpayer. “You are the first victim of fraud,” Vance told the crowd, with signs reading “PROTECTING TAXPAYER DOLLARS” and “FIGHTING FRAUDSTERS.” The vice president, a potential 2028 Republican presidential candidate, has promoted the task force while campaigning for Republican candidates. However, Thursday’s event was the first explicitly billed as a discussion on fraud-fighting, diverging from his usual economic message.
Vance’s advocacy for Trump’s economic policies has faced scrutiny amid the Iran war, which has contributed to rising costs for gas, food, and heating oil. Critics argue that focusing on fraud rather than the economy is a misstep.
Maine Primaries and Political Context
The visit follows a call from Centers for Medicare and Medicaid Services Administrator Dr. Mehmet Oz for corrective action on alleged fraud in Maine’s government health programs. Democratic Governor Janet Mills called Oz’s request a “political attack.” Maine’s primary elections are set for June 9, with voters selecting candidates for governor, U.S. Senate, and U.S. House.
Governor Mills, term-limited and unable to seek a third term, withdrew from the Democratic Senate primary, clearing the path for progressive activist and oyster farmer Graham Platner. The Senate seat is considered one of the most competitive nationally and crucial for Democratic hopes of regaining the chamber.
Republicans are confident about reclaiming the 2nd Congressional District after Democratic Representative Jared Golden announced he would not seek re-election. Former Governor Paul LePage, a Trump ally, is the sole Republican contender for the nomination.
LePage and Collins at Center Stage
Vance presented LePage as a partner in anti-fraud efforts, stating, “Fraud has festered in Maine because this guy is no longer the governor of Maine.” He also praised Senator Susan Collins for her independence, saying, “Sometimes I get frustrated with Susan Collins. I almost wish she was more partisan. If she was as partisan as I wish she was, she would not be a good fit for the people of Maine.” LePage attended the event, while Collins was in Washington.
Before Vance’s arrival, LePage told the crowd that if elected, he would work with the Trump administration to intensify fraud-fighting in social safety programs, which he described as rampant in Maine. “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 said at Bangor International Airport.
Gubernatorial Race and Democratic Response
Seven Republicans and five Democrats are vying to succeed Governor Mills, who has clashed with the Trump administration over transgender athletes in high school sports. Some Maine Democrats used Vance’s appearance to boost their campaigns. Progressive groups planned a demonstration in Bangor, and Secretary of State Shenna Bellows, a gubernatorial candidate, indicated she would speak at it. Nirav Shah, former Maine CDC director and gubernatorial candidate, said in an email that Vance was visiting while costs for heating oil and gas are surging. “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 Democratic, but Donald Trump has shown popularity in rural areas, winning the 2nd District in three consecutive elections. Governor Mills had made opposition to Trump a central theme of her Senate campaign until she suspended it in late April, clearing the path for Platner. Vance previously visited northern New England in March 2025 for a family vacation in Vermont, which drew protests near a ski resort.
