President Donald Trump and Vice President JD Vance announced a $25 million program on Tuesday, October 20, 2026, intended to encourage the public to report suspected fraud within the federal government. The Fraud Whistleblower Incentive Program, or WHIP, offers financial rewards to individuals who provide tips through the website fraud.gov that lead to fraud convictions or significant federal enforcement actions.
The initiative follows the establishment of a federal anti-fraud task force in March 2026, which is led by Vance. The Department of Justice will be responsible for administering the program. The announcement comes amid existing criticisms regarding the business ventures of the president and his family, which the White House has addressed by stating that the president acts in the interest of the American public.
Under the program's guidelines, eligible whistleblowers can receive up to $30,000 for their information. During an Oval Office event, Trump stated that payments would be calculated as a 1% commission on the total dollar amount of fraud uncovered by a tip. In instances where multiple people claim credit for a single tip, Trump stated he would serve as the "arbitrator" to decide who receives the reward money through binding arbitration. The president noted that journalists are also eligible to participate.
For individuals who participate, the most immediate change is the potential for a direct payment from the Department of Justice following a successful federal enforcement action. The administration highlighted the program's potential by presenting a $10,000 check on Tuesday to influencer Nick Shirley, whose 2025 video regarding Minnesota childcare centers preceded federal investigations and the July 2026 guilty plea of Fahima Mahamud for wire fraud and conspiracy. However, the program also places the president in a unique legal role, as he stated he will personally decide reward allocations in disputed cases through binding arbitration.
The initiative sets a precedent for direct executive branch involvement in whistleblower compensation and the use of social media influencers in federal investigations. While the administration stated the program is designed to protect funds for the needy, the effectiveness of public reporting remains a subject of review; for instance, early reports regarding the Minnesota centers mentioned in Shirley's video initially found them operating as expected before subsequent arrests were made. The program is currently active, with the Justice Department managing ongoing submissions through the fraud.gov portal.