US President Donald Trump and Vice President JD Vance have launched a $25 million whistleblower programme aimed at exposing fraud in federal government programmes. The initiative, known as the Whistleblower Incentive Programme (WHIP), is run by the US Department of Justice.
Under the programme, whistleblowers may receive financial rewards when their information leads to fraud convictions or major enforcement actions. People can submit information through the official website, fraud.gov. The initiative aims to reduce misuse of public funds and help recover taxpayer money.
As part of the announcement, Trump is set to present journalist Nick Shirley with a $10,000 cheque. Shirley gained attention for his reporting on suspected fraud involving daycare centres in Minnesota. The allegations concern possible misuse of public funds and have drawn public attention.
The programme is overseen by Vance’s Task Force to Eliminate Fraud. It forms part of the administration’s broader efforts to strengthen oversight of federal spending and investigate suspected fraud.
The $25 million fund is intended to encourage people with information about potential wrongdoing to come forward. However, rewards will depend on whether the information leads to qualifying legal or enforcement outcomes.
The initiative builds on earlier executive actions aimed at preventing fraud, improving accountability and protecting taxpayer money.