President Donald Trump and Vice President JD Vance announced a new $25 million whistleblower program on Tuesday aimed at incentivizing the public to report suspected fraud involving federal government funds. The initiative, administered by the Justice Department, offers individuals who provide tips that lead to fraud convictions or significant enforcement actions a financial reward of up to $30,000. The program is part of a broader effort led by Vance, who heads an anti-fraud task force established earlier this year to investigate misuse of government resources.
During the announcement at the White House, Trump stated that reward payments would typically equal one percent of the amount of fraud recovered based on the tip. He also said he would serve as the final arbiter in cases where multiple parties claim credit for submitting the same tip, describing his role as “binding arbitration.” Journalists are also eligible to participate under the program.
Vice President Vance emphasized the importance of recovering stolen tax dollars, describing his role on the task force as “fun” and reiterating Trump’s commitment to stopping abuse of federal programs. The task force has been active in investigating fraud involving medical supply contracts, food assistance benefits, and the Affordable Care Act — with recent actions including the removal of hundreds of thousands of ineligible enrollees from the ACA’s public exchanges.
The announcement also spotlighted Nick Shirley, a right-wing content creator who was present in the Oval Office during the event and was reported to receive a $10,000 reward. Shirley had previously produced a viral video alleging fraudulent activities by daycare centers, although some allegations were later disputed by Minnesota news organizations. The administration has focused on a high-profile fraud scandal in Minnesota, where federal prosecutors accused dozens of Somali-American residents of running social-services scams. This controversy contributed to Minnesota Governor Tim Walz’s decision not to seek a third term.
The administration has expressed a zero-tolerance stance on fraud involving government programs. A White House spokesperson reiterated that those who steal from Americans will face consequences. Critics of President Trump have pointed to allegations that he and his family may have profited from the presidency through their businesses, though the White House maintains the president’s actions prioritize the public interest.
The fraud whistleblower program reflects a continued push by the Trump administration to enhance oversight and accountability in federal spending while also encouraging citizen participation in uncovering wrongdoing.