THE BARE STORY
President Donald Trump announced a federal program on Tuesday offering payments to people whose reports help expose fraud involving the U.S. government and taxpayers. Vice President JD Vance joined Trump for the Oval Office announcement and leads the administration’s fraud task force.
The Justice Department will administer the Fraud Whistleblower Incentive Program. The program’s website says rewards of up to $30,000 may be available when a submission results in criminal charges, a fraud conviction or a major federal enforcement action.
Trump said he would personally determine who receives payments, how rewards are divided among multiple claimants and the amount awarded. He also said participants could receive 1% of reported fraud without a cap or a requirement for criminal charges, statements that differ from the eligibility terms described on the program website.
Trump presented a $10,000 check to Nick Shirley, a YouTuber and independent journalist whose video alleged fraud at childcare centers in Minnesota. Federal prosecutors have said Fahima Egeh Mahamud, a former head of a center featured in the reporting, pleaded guilty in July to wire fraud and conspiracy involving child-care assistance claims and a federal child nutrition program.
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