Trump and Vance announce $25M fraud whistleblower program

President Donald Trump and Vice President JD Vance announced a $25 million Fraud Whistleblower Incentive Program (WHIP) on Tuesday to encourage the public to report suspected fraud in the federal government, abccolumbia.com reported.

The program offers up to $30,000 to individuals who submit tips to fraud.gov that lead to a fraud conviction or significant federal enforcement action, according to the White House.

The Justice Department will administer the program, which is part of an aggressive effort by the Trump administration to eliminate fraud throughout federal programs and dollars, The Hill noted.

Trump established a fraud task force in March, appointing Vance to lead it, and the announcement was made during a joint appearance in the Oval Office.

During the event, Trump presented a $10,000 check to Nick Shirley, a right-wing influencer who posted a video last year alleging members of Minnesota’s Somali community were running fake childcare centers to collect federal subsidies. The video drew attention from the Trump administration and conservative activists. Subsequent investigations led to searches, arrests, and in July, one woman pleaded guilty to wire fraud and conspiracy to defraud the United States by submitting inflated reimbursements.