Trump says U.S. will pay fraud whistleblowers, and he'll decide who is paid
President Trump said successful whistleblowers will get 1% of any fraud they report, although there may be limits.
Key points
- Trump announced a Fraud Whistleblower Incentive Program paying 1% of reported fraud, with himself as arbitrator.
- The America.gov/fraud site says payments are up to $30,000 and require criminal charges, which Trump disputed.
- YouTuber Nick Shirley, who alleged fraud at Minnesota childcare centers, is the program's first beneficiary.
President Trump announced Tuesday in the Oval Office that the federal government will pay whistleblowers who report fraud against the U.S. government and taxpayers, and that he will personally decide who receives payment. Vice President JD Vance, who leads the administration's fraud task force, stood beside him.
Under the Fraud Whistleblower Incentive Program, Trump said whistleblowers, including ordinary citizens, could receive 1% of the fraud they report, even if the reported amount is $100 billion.
Conflicting payment details
The website America.gov/fraud states that successful whistleblowers will be paid up to $30,000, depending on whether the report leads to criminal charges. Asked by CBS News to clarify, Trump said there is no limit on compensation and that criminal charges are not necessary.
Trump said he would be "fair" and make the determination himself, adding that if two people fight over a reward, he might have them split it. Vance joked, "That's the answer. I quit while I'm ahead."
I will be the arbitrator of all of these decisions
— President Trump
First beneficiary and existing law
The program's first beneficiary is Nick Shirley, a YouTuber in his 20s who published a video alleging fraud at childcare centers in Minnesota and stood with Trump in the Oval Office on Tuesday. The website says reports are encrypted and go directly to the Treasury Department, though it is not immediately clear who reviews them; the Department of Justice will administer the program.
Some whistleblowers can already receive up to 25% to 30% of recovered proceeds under the False Claims Act, but its requirements are stringent. Vance said "99%" of the fraud they are finding is not covered by that law.
