US President Donald Trump and Vice President JD Vance are set to launch a $25 million initiative encouraging Americans to report suspected fraud involving federal funds, as the administration intensifies efforts to curb the misuse of taxpayer money.
The Fraud Whistleblower Incentive Program (WHIP) will offer eligible informants rewards of up to $30,000 if their tips submitted through the government’s fraud reporting portal lead to a fraud conviction or significant federal enforcement action. The US Department of Justice will oversee the programme, according to the White House.
The announcement is scheduled to take place during a joint appearance by Trump and Vance at the Oval Office on Tuesday. Trump established a task force to combat government fraud in March and appointed Vance to lead the initiative.
White House spokesperson Lauren Bis said the administration was determined to hold individuals accountable for misusing public funds, adding that the task force was working to identify abuse across federal programmes.
The event will also feature a $10,000 cheque presented by Trump to Nick Shirley, a conservative social media influencer whose video alleged that members of Minnesota’s Somali community were operating fraudulent childcare centres to obtain government subsidies.
The video drew attention from conservative activists and the administration, prompting investigations, searches and arrests. However, inspectors had reported that the centres were operating as expected.
Separately, the Justice Department said Fahima Mahamud pleaded guilty in July to wire fraud and conspiracy to defraud the United States. She admitted to submitting inflated reimbursement claims for meals reportedly served to children at her childcare centre.
According to the White House, Mahamud was featured in Shirley’s video. The new programme marks another step in the administration’s broader campaign to investigate suspected fraud and strengthen oversight of federal spending.
