WASHINGTON — President Donald Trump and Vice President JD Vance announced a $25 million program on Tuesday, Oct. 20, that would pay people who tip off the federal government about fraud. It is called the Fraud Whistleblower Incentive Program, The Hill reported.
The first award went to conservative YouTuber Nick Shirley, who joined Trump and Vance in the Oval Office. Fox News reported that he will receive $10,000.
How the program works
- The reward: People whose tips lead to a successful conviction would get a 1% commission. Trump said the payout would come “if we recover the money,” not only when charges are filed.
- How to report: Trump said anyone can submit a tip through America.gov/fraud.
- Who decides: Trump said he will act as the “binding” arbitrator if more than one person claims the same award, to speed up the process. He said he would decide who is deserving and be “very generous.”
Numbers that don’t match
The amounts described on Tuesday were not consistent. The program’s website says a person may qualify for up to $30,000 if a report leads to criminal charges. Trump said in the Oval Office there is “no limit” on what someone can receive. He said, “People will make millions of dollars by turning others in.”
The reports reviewed do not explain how the 1% commission, the $30,000 figure and the $25 million total fit together, or how payouts will be paid for.
Who is Nick Shirley
Shirley became a viral figure on the political right last year after he posted a video documenting his search for fraudulent childcare programs in Minnesota.
Where this fits
The program builds on the work of the Task Force to Eliminate Fraud, which Trump created in March and which Vance chairs. The task force was set up to look into and reduce fraud in federal programs. Vance said on Tuesday that “it is stopping” and that people who help “get to share in the rewards now.”
Trump said the money stolen from the country is “trillions.” That figure was his own claim, and the reports reviewed do not include an official estimate to back it up. The Treasury Department also runs a separate whistleblower program, which it launched earlier this year to collect tips about fraud, money laundering and tax violations. For the broader federal budget picture, see our report on the federal deficit.
What’s next
The administration has not said when the first tips could lead to payouts or how many people have already submitted reports. This story will be updated as the White House releases more details.
