Trump unveils whistleblower program targeting federal fraud
Program offers 1% commission on recovered funds, administered by Department of Justice
WASHINGTON (Gray DC) - President Donald Trump and Vice President JD Vance on Tuesday announced a new federal program intended to reward tips on suspected federal government fraud.
Trump unveiled the “Fraud Whistleblower Incentive Program” during an Oval Office event.
“If you turn somebody in and you let’s say a report and you find a billion dollars, we are giving a commission to that person of 1%. It’s a lot of money,” Trump said.
The Department of Justice will administer the $25 million program. Trump said he will be the arbiter in deciding whether an individual qualifies for a reward.
Among those in the Oval Office for the announcement was Nick Shirley, who posted a video last year claiming members of Minnesota’s Somali community were running fake childcare centers to collect federal subsidies.
“When you expose fraud, you help save America,” Shirley said.
The False Claims Act already pays whistleblowers 15% to 30% of the damages collected by the government. Vance said the new fund would address fraud not covered by the False Claims Act.
Copyright 2026 Gray DC. All rights reserved.
