Key facts
- Trump will personally arbitrate all payment decisions for the fraud incentive program.
- The program aims to incentivize reporting of fraud in US government programs.
- Minnesota officials disputed some of the fraud allegations made by Nick Shirley.
- Shirley's video led to one childcare center owner pleading guilty to fraud charges.
President Donald Trump announced Tuesday the creation of a Fraud Whistleblower Incentive Program that will award individuals a commission for reporting fraud in US government programs. Speaking from the White House, Trump stated that tipsters would receive an unlimited 1% commission on the fraud reported. The Justice Department, however, described the program as awarding $10,000 to $30,000 for tips leading to criminal charges, with the Treasury Department committing $25 million. The first recipient of the award was identified as Nick Shirley, a 24-year-old pro-Trump YouTuber whose viral video alleging fraud at Minnesota childcare centers was cited as the basis for cutting federal funding to the state. While state officials disputed some of Shirley's claims, one woman whose center was profiled later pleaded guilty to fraud charges. Vice President JD Vance, who leads the president's anti-fraud task force, confirmed Shirley would receive a financial reward.