Trump Launches $25 Million Fraud Whistleblower Program

President Donald Trump recently introduced a new initiative, the $25 million Fraud Whistleblower Incentive Program (WHIP), designed to encourage citizens to report fraud. The payments for useful information, aimed at leading to criminal prosecutions, will range from $10,000 to $30,000.

During an announcement made in the Oval Office, Trump stated that the program includes a website, america.gov/fraud, where individuals can report “cases of corruption and theft of taxpayer dollars in their communities.”

The U.S. Department of Justice (DOJ) described the program as a groundbreaking step, citing it as the “first ever whistleblower rewards program” to provide upfront payments for tips resulting in criminal charges.

Attorney General Todd Blanche remarked, “Protecting the American people from fraud remains a top priority for the Department of Justice. The Fraud Whistleblower Incentive Program (WHIP) offers everyone the opportunity to be part of the solution, help expose fraud, and be rewarded quickly for their efforts. I urge all Americans to use this program and play an active role in bringing fraudsters to justice.”

This renewed focus on fraud has been evident in recent months, particularly after significant daycare fraud schemes in Minnesota made headlines earlier in the year. In response, Trump established the Task Force to Eliminate Fraud, led by Vice President JD Vance.

So far, this task force has identified fraud in various programs, including Medicare and Medicaid, the Affordable Care Act’s benefits, and Social Security, among others.

Additionally, the FBI debuted a “Most Wanted Fraudsters” list this year, leading to the apprehension of several suspects in subsequent months.

Assistant Attorney General Colin M. McDonald from the National Fraud Enforcement Division noted, “The creation of the Fraud Whistleblower Incentive Program (WHIP) is exactly the kind of new and innovative tool we are bringing to the fight against fraud. This groundbreaking program will enlist the public as part of the fraud-fighting apparatus and reward them quickly for helping the country in the war on fraud.”

To be eligible to report fraud under this program, individuals must meet specific criteria:

• Participation must be voluntary.
• Information provided needs to be truthful and original, submitted in writing.
• The information should relate to defined subject matter areas.
• Cooperation is required throughout the process.
• Participants must not have been involved in the fraudulent activities.
• The tips must lead to criminal charges in the identified areas.

The program will accept information regarding fraud related to federal agencies such as:

• Department of Agriculture (USDA) — including food stamps fraud.
• Department of Labor — for unemployment fraud cases.
• Department of Health and Human Services (HHS).
• Department of Housing and Urban Development.
• Department of Education — involving student aid fraud.
• Department of Veterans Affairs.
• Department of War.
• Small Business Administration.

The DOJ is particularly interested in tips regarding hospice care, home health care, daycare, and special services fraud.