Donald Trump announced this Tuesday, 20 October, a rewards program offering up to 30 thousand dollars to people who provide information about fraud against the U.S. government. The initiative aims to encourage reports involving public funds and will have a budget of 25 million dollars, administered by the Department of Justice.
The announcement was made in the Oval Office of the White House. The system will accept reports through an official government portal, with the aim of using the information to take action against fraud and recover money defrauded from the federal government.
The important distinction for potential whistleblowers is that submitting information does not mean receiving a reward. The plan provides for payments of up to 30 thousand dollars when a report leads to a fraud conviction or significant federal action. The announced amount is a maximum, not a fixed sum for every report.
Trump presented the incentives as a way to expand public participation in detecting irregularities. During his remarks, he also mentioned journalists and other professionals among those who could provide information about possible diversions of resources.
The program joins the anti-fraud task force established in March and led by Vice President J. D. Vance. That effort focuses on the management of federal funds and public assistance; Tuesday’s announcement adds a financial incentive for those who contribute information.
Image: Official portrait of Donald Trump from January 2025. File photo: Daniel Torok / Wikimedia Commons.
