President Donald Trump and Vice President JD Vance on Tuesday unveiled a $25 million program that will pay Americans for reporting fraud against the federal government. Under the Fraud Whistleblower Incentive Program, a person whose tip leads to a successful case would receive a commission of 1% of the money involved.
"If anybody turns anybody in, you get a 1% commission, and I think that will be amazing, because the kind of money that's been stolen is trillions from this country," Trump said in the Oval Office. Tips can be submitted through America.gov/fraud.
"No limit," Trump says
The program's website says a report that leads to criminal charges could qualify for a reward of up to $30,000. Trump, however, told reporters there would be "no limit" on what someone could receive and that money would be paid out "if we recover the money." He said he would serve as the "binding" arbitrator when several people claim the same award. "I'll determine whether or not the person is deserving, and I will be very generous," he said, adding that "people will make millions of dollars by turning others in."
Trump also said journalists could take part if their news organizations allow it, joking that some reporters might decide the commission was more lucrative than their jobs.
Nick Shirley in line for first award
The first award appeared to go to conservative YouTuber Nick Shirley, who attended the Oval Office event. Fox News reported he would receive $10,000. Shirley drew wide attention among conservatives last year with a video about suspected fraud in Minnesota childcare programs.
The program builds on the Task Force to Eliminate Fraud, which Trump created by executive order in March with Vance as chairman. "It is stopping, and if you want to help us stop it, you get to share in the rewards now," Vance said.
