Steve Hilton, who’s running for California governor, is accusing Xavier Becerra of causing a big surge in Medicaid fraud. In a post on X, the Republican claimed Becerra shut down a federal fraud unit while he was Biden’s HHS Secretary. After Becerra returned to California, waste and abuse reportedly shot up. The post is now sparking a heated debate online.
Hilton shared the claims in a post on X, which includes a video clip from his appearance on Fox News’ “The Ingraham Angle,” in which he discusses Xavier Becerra, the current front-runner in the state’s gubernatorial race and former U.S. Health and Human Services Secretary.
In the clip, Hilton states that Becerra bears responsibility for increased fraud issues. He claims that as HHS Secretary under President Biden, Becerra dismantled a federal unit focused on Medicaid fraud, after which waste and improper spending rose in California upon Becerra’s return to state leadership.
Hilton’s accompanying text in the post repeats the accusation, describing it as “Classic Democrat priorities: protect the grifters, screw the taxpayers.” These claims have not been independently verified in the post itself. Recent news reports have focused on a separate campaign finance matter involving a former Becerra aide who pleaded guilty to related charges, though Becerra has not been directly implicated.
Reactions to Hilton’s Accusation
Some users echoed Hilton’s criticism. One commenter wrote, “And the massive fraud at HHS under Biden. That’s also the department that lost the children.” Another stated, “An innocent person would support without question the ability to track and identify Fraud – stealing taxpayer dollars for your own personal benefit and agenda. That’s a big no-no.”
Others called for political change. One wrote, “I cannot understand how Democrats in California would still vote for Democrats despite causing every single problem. Both Bianco and Hilton should be the top two runners.” A separate comment added, “Get out and vote for change, California.”
Some responses pushed back. One user said, “Hilton is flat out lying. Becerra did NOT gut any fraud oversight. He did a poor job with migrant children, but he is not responsible for any rise in fraud.” Another tied in additional state policy concerns, noting Becerra’s link to SB54 and its effects on local enforcement.
The post has become part of the intensifying debate in California’s gubernatorial race as voters weigh competing claims about state governance and accountability. The exchange continues to generate discussion online ahead of the election.
