Trump, Vance announce $25 million whistleblower program to encourage public to report alleged fraud

Trump, Vance announce $25 million.

Key points

• News Sylvie Corbet, Associated Press, Aamer Madhani, Associated Press, Darlene Superville, Associated Press June 15, 2026.
• Wilkinson County School District, Holmes Consolidated School District and the Noxubee County School District lately provided updates to the State Board of Education.
• News Darlene Superville, Associated Press, Collin Binkley, Associated Press June 10, 2026.
• News Darlene Superville, Associated Press, Chris Megerian, Associated Press October 13, 2025.
• Auditor launches Non-Profit Spending website showing Mississippi has paid non-profits over $4.2 billion since 2020.

Trump, Vance announce $25 million whistleblower program to encourage public to report alleged fraud. By: Darlene Superville, Associated Press – October 20, 2026.

President Donald Trump speaks in the Oval Office of the White House, Tuesday, Oct. As Vice President JD Vance listens, 20, 2026, in Washington. (AP Photo/Jacquelyn Martin).

According to The White House, under the Fraud Whistleblower Incentive Program, or WHIP, anyone who submits a tip to fraud.gov that leads to a fraud conviction or a significant federal enforcement action is eligible to receive up to $30, 000, and that the Justice Department will administer the program.

WASHINGTON (AP) – President Donald Trump and Vice President JD Vance on Tuesday confirmed a $25 million program to encourage the public to blow the whistle on suspected fraud in the U.S. Administration as they ramp up efforts to end the abuse of federal programs and dollars.

During the announcement, Trump remarked payments will work out to a 1% commission on the dollar amount of fraud the tip helps uncover. Trump additionally stated he will decide who gets to collect reward funds in cases where more than one person claims to have provided the tip.

"I will be the arbitrator of all these decisions, " Trump remarked during an Oval Office event Tuesday with Vance and other administration office-holders. "It'll be a binding arbitration." Trump remarked journalists could participate in the program.

In practice, the Republican president has undertaken an aggressive effort to eliminate fraud in administration, establishing a task force on the topic in March and putting Vance in charge of it.

Critics have accused Trump and his family of profiting from the presidency through their plenty of business ventures. The White House has countered by saying that Trump acts only with the best interests of the American individuals in mind.

Vance, who remarked his work leading the task force is "fun, " stated tax dollars are being stolen.

"The president has remarked it must stop. It is stopping. And if you want to support us stop it, you secure to share in the rewards, " the vice president noted.

Trump was projected during the event to present a $10, 000 check to Nick Shirley, a right-wing influencer who posted a video last year that stated members of Minnesota's Somali community were running fake childcare centers to collect federal subsidies.

Though inspectors remarked the centers were operating as anticipated, the 24-year-old's video caught the attention of the Trump administration and conservative activists. Investigations, searches and arrests followed.

"When you expose fraud, you help save America, " remarked Shirley, adding that fraud steals from poor and needy residents.

In July, one woman, Fahima Mahamud, pleaded guilty to wire fraud and conspiracy to defraud the United States by submitting inflated reimbursement claims for meals allegedly served to children at her childcare center, according to the Justice Department. The White House notes Mahamud was featured in Shirley's video. Regarding the Author(s). Darlene Superville, Associated Press. Education Jeremy Pittari October 20, 2026.

Three Mississippi districts of transformation outline gains, areas for more improvement to regain local control.

Wilkinson County School District, Holmes Consolidated School District and the Noxubee County School District lately provided updates to the State Board of Education. More From This Author.

Trump heads to G7 summit with wind at his back after announcing agreement aimed at ending Iran war.

Trump signs bill giving almost $70B to his immigration enforcement agenda through end of his term.

Trump urges Israel to seize chance for peace ahead of Egypt summit on Gaza's future. Business Frank Corder October 20, 2026. Fairbanks Morse Defense doubling manufacturing capacity at its Pascagoula facility. News Frank Corder October 20, 2026.

$35.5 million grant awarded to modernize 121-year-old Escatawpa River swing bridge.

"This investment will help modernize aging infrastructure, improve safety, and strengthen the reliability of freight transportation in South Mississippi, " remarked Congressman Mike Ezell, a member of the U.S. House Transportation and Infrastructure Committee. News Frank Corder October 20, 2026.

Almost 93%, or $3.92 billion, of the expenditures listed remained in Mississippi. As shown on the Auditor's dashboard, nevertheless, non-profits in every state except Hawaii received funds from Mississippi. News Jeremy Pittari October 20, 2026. Keenum, Boyce receive contract extensions, pay increases. News Cass Rutledge October 20, 2026. Lumber manufacturer investing $8.3 million in Macon expansion. News Seth Borenstein, Associated Press October 20, 2026.

Marine life dramatically declined in Gulf in years after BP oil spill, study finds. Business Frank Corder October 19, 2026.

Ingalls awarded $99 million contract modification for USS Lyndon B. Johnson sea trials. Business Cass Rutledge October 13, 2026. Startup plastics manufacturer Koinonia setting up operations in Drew. Business Cass Rutledge October 12, 2026. ALO investing over $176 million in Southaven for national distribution center. Culture Meredith Biesinger October 20, 2026. The Lyric Theatre: Tupelo's most haunting story. Culture Alistair Begg October 20, 2026. A call to commitment. Culture Robert St. John October 19, 2026. Dinner and a show. Opinion Ellery Jones October 19, 2026. Forest products industry contributes heavily to Mississippi, U.S. Economy.

Opinion Sid Salter October 14, 2026. Capital punishment logistical failures a self-fulfilling strategy of death penalty opponents? Opinion Roger Wicker October 9, 2026. Permit reform act is a much-needed course correction.

Taken together, the developments around trump, Vance announce $25 million whistleblower program to encourage public to report point to a situation that is still moving, and the coming days should bring more clarity.