Trump, Vance Launch $25 Million Whistleblower Programme To Report US Government Fraud

US President Donald Trump and Vice President JD Vance have launched a $25 million whistleblower programme to encourage Americans to report suspected fraud involving federal government programmes, offering financial rewards of up to $30,000 for information that leads to criminal charges or significant enforcement action.

Announced at the White House on Tuesday, October 20, the Fraud Whistleblower Incentive Programme (WHIP) will be administered by the US Department of Justice (DOJ), with the Treasury Department committing $25 million to fund its implementation. Members of the public can submit tips through the government's fraud-reporting portal.

The initiative covers suspected fraud involving federal healthcare programmes and benefits administered by departments dealing with agriculture, labour, health, housing, education, veterans' affairs and other government services. The programme will prioritise cases involving daycare centres, hospice facilities and home healthcare services.

Trump said rewards would amount to a 1 per cent commission on the value of fraud uncovered and that he would personally settle disputes if multiple people claimed credit for the same tip. However, the DOJ's official announcement specifies rewards of $10,000 to $30,000, creating a discrepancy between the president's remarks and the department's stated payment structure.

The programme forms part of Trump's broader campaign against alleged government waste and abuse. He established a task force to eliminate fraud in March, placing Vance in charge. The administration has argued that fraudulent claims divert taxpayer money from people who genuinely need government assistance.

Vance said the initiative would allow Americans to help expose wrongdoing while sharing in the rewards. Trump also said journalists could participate in the programme.

The announcement featured Nick Shirley, a 24-year-old conservative YouTuber, whose video published in December 2025 alleged that childcare centres in Minnesota were collecting public subsidies without providing services. His claims attracted national attention and prompted investigations, searches and arrests.

However, the allegations against the centres were disputed. Inspections found that the facilities were operating as expected, according to earlier reporting, although subsequent investigations uncovered individual cases of suspected wrongdoing. The White House identified Fahima Mahamud, who appeared in Shirley's video, as one such case.

In July, Mahamud pleaded guilty to wire fraud and conspiracy to defraud the United States after submitting inflated reimbursement claims for meals allegedly served to children at her childcare centre, according to the DOJ.

The administration also announced a $10,000 reward for Shirley, crediting his work with drawing attention to alleged fraud. The move comes amid criticism of Trump's own business dealings, with critics accusing him and his family of benefiting from the presidency, allegations the White House has rejected.