Trump and Vance announce $25M fraud whistleblower program; Trump to arbitrate rewards
In short
President Trump and Vice President JD Vance announced a $25 million Fraud Whistleblower Incentive Program in the Oval Office. The White House said tips leading to a fraud conviction or significant federal enforcement action can earn up to $30,000, while Trump spoke of a 1% commission and said he will decide who gets paid in disputed cases.
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President Donald Trump and Vice President JD Vance on Tuesday announced a $25 million program to encourage the public to report suspected fraud in the U.S. government. The White House said that under the Fraud Whistleblower Incentive Program, anyone who submits a tip that leads to a fraud conviction or a significant federal enforcement action is eligible to receive up to $30,000, and that the Justice Department will administer the program. [ 4 , 5 ]
During the announcement in the Oval Office, Trump said payments will amount to a 1% commission on the amount of fraud the tip helps uncover. "If you turn somebody in and you, let's say report, and you find $1 billion, we are giving a commission to that person of 1%," he said. CBS News reported that the America.gov/fraud website says successful whistleblowers will be paid up to $30,000, depending on the report resulting in criminal charges. Asked by CBS for clarification, Trump said there is no limit to compensation and criminal charges are not necessary. [ 1 , 4 , 5 , 11 ]
Trump also said he will decide who gets reward money when more than one person claims to have provided the tip. "I will be the arbitrator of all of these decisions," he said, adding: "It'll be a binding arbitration." He said he would be "very generous." The Guardian reported that the Department of Justice website says the department has "sole discretion" in issuing rewards, and that the White House referred it to Trump's Oval Office comments when asked whether his statement was true. [ 4 , 5 , 11 , 12 ]
Trump said journalists could participate in the program; Fox News reported this was subject to applicable rules and approval from their employers. Fox News and the Boston Globe version of the AP report said tips go to fraud.gov, while CBS cited the America.gov/fraud site and said reports are encrypted and go directly to the Treasury Department. CBS said it was not immediately clear who reviews reports. [ 1 , 4 , 5 , 11 ]
Nick Shirley, who published a video in December 2025 questioning Somali-run daycare centers in Minnesota, was part of the event. CBS reported he stood alongside Trump and was presented with a $10,000 check. The AP version carried by The Seattle Times said the White House had said Trump would present the check, but it was not given in the presence of journalists. [ 1 , 4 , 11 ]
Vance, who leads the fraud task force Trump established in March, said: "The president has said it must stop. It is stopping. And if you want to help us stop it, you get to share in the rewards." The New York Times said the announcement raised concerns that Trump would use the program for political purposes. CBS and the Guardian noted that some whistleblowers can already be compensated under the False Claims Act, giving different percentage ranges. [ 4 , 5 , 11 , 12 , 17 ]
Why it matters
The program offers cash to the public for reporting suspected fraud against federal programs, part of an administration effort led by Vance. Outlets reported differing payout descriptions and the New York Times said the announcement raised concerns the program could be used for political purposes.
Key facts
- Trump and Vance announced the $25 million Fraud Whistleblower Incentive Program (WHIP) in the Oval Office on Tuesday. [ 1 , 4 , 5 , 11 ]
- The White House said anyone whose tip leads to a fraud conviction or a significant federal enforcement action is eligible for up to $30,000, and that the Justice Department will administer the program. [ 4 , 5 ]
- Trump said payments will be a 1% commission on the amount of fraud a tip helps uncover. [ 1 , 4 , 5 , 11 ]
- Trump said he will decide who is rewarded when more than one person claims to have provided a tip. [ 1 , 4 , 5 , 11 , 12 ]
- Trump said journalists could participate in the program. [ 1 , 4 , 5 ]
- Vance leads the administration's fraud task force, which Trump established in March. [ 4 , 5 ]
Confirmed by several sources
- Trump and Vance announced a $25 million whistleblower program to reward tips about fraud. [ 1 , 4 , 5 , 11 , 12 ]
- Trump said he will be the arbitrator of reward decisions where several people claim a tip. [ 1 , 4 , 5 , 11 , 12 ]
- Trump described the payment as a 1% commission. [ 1 , 4 , 5 , 11 ]
- The Justice Department will administer the program. [ 4 , 5 , 11 ]
Still unclear
- How much whistleblowers can receive. The White House said up to $30,000, and CBS said the America.gov/fraud site says the same, conditional on criminal charges. Trump said 1% of the fraud reported; asked by CBS, he said there is no limit and charges are not necessary.
- Who decides rewards. Trump said he will be the arbitrator in a binding arbitration. The Guardian reported that the Justice Department website says the department has sole discretion, and that the White House referred it to Trump's Oval Office comments.
- Whether a $10,000 check was given to Nick Shirley at the event. CBS reported he was presented with the check in the Oval Office; the AP version carried by The Seattle Times said a check was not given in the presence of journalists.
- Where tips are submitted. Fox News and the Boston Globe version of the AP report cite fraud.gov; CBS cites America.gov/fraud, saying reports go directly to the Treasury Department and that it is unclear who reviews them.
- Whether the program could be used for political purposes. The New York Times said the announcement raised such concerns; the documents do not give a response.
What local media are saying
Timeline, local time
- Fox News published its report on the planned Fraud Whistleblower Incentive Program. [ 1 ]
- The Associated Press reported that Trump and Vance would announce a $25 million fraud whistleblower program. [ 3 ]
- The Hill said the announcement would come at the White House on Tuesday afternoon. [ 7 ]
- CBS News reported that Trump had announced the program and said he would decide who gets paid. [ 11 ]
- The Guardian reported Trump's remarks that he would be the arbitrator of reward decisions. [ 12 ]