Trump and Vance unveil $25m whistleblower fund offering up to $30,000 for fraud tips

President Donald Trump and Vice President JD Vance on Tuesday unveiled a $25 million Fraud Whistleblower Incentive Program (WHIP), offering the public up to $30,000 for tips about federal fraud that lead to a conviction or a significant enforcement action. Tips are submitted through fraud.gov and the Justice Department administers the programme. (AP)

The scheme extends the anti-fraud task force Trump established in March under Vance’s charge. (AP)

At the Oval Office event, Trump presented a $10,000 cheque to Nick Shirley, whose viral video last year alleged fraud at Somali-run childcare centres in Minnesota. AP notes inspectors said the centres were operating as expected, though investigations, searches and arrests followed. Fahima Mahamud pleaded guilty in July to wire fraud and conspiracy over inflated meal claims, according to the Justice Department; the White House says she featured in Shirley’s video. (AP)

“Every day, President Trump’s Task Force to Eliminate Fraud is zeroing in on the rampant abuse of taxpayer dollars and giving Americans the accountability they deserve,” White House spokeswoman Lauren Bis said. “This administration has zero tolerance for individuals who steal from Americans.” (AP)

The New York Post reports Vance’s task force last month removed 750,000 people from Obamacare rolls over suspected fraudulent enrolment, with 450,000 more under review.

Sources: AP via La Nacion — https://www.lanacion.com.ar/usa/trump-and-vance-to-announce-a-25m-whistleblower-program-to-encourage-public-to-report-alleged-fraud-nid20102026/ ; Fox News — https://foxnews.com/politics/trump-puts-fraudsters-notice-25m-whistleblower-program-offering-cash-tips-deliver ; New York Post — https://nypost.com/2026/10/20/us-news/vance-trump-to-offer-up-to-30k-bounty-for-tips-that-convict-fraudsters/